Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 167th Year

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Pentecost 7
July 3, 2005
 Matthew 11:28-30
The Peace of Christ

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INTRODUCTION: Peace – It’s more then a feeling – it’s a state of being – a commodity many are willing to pay any price to obtain to achieve it. Where do we find this peace? Christ our Savior has promised to give us His abiding peace. As John has reminded us in his gospel, [Jesus said,] “peace I give you My peace I leave you not as the world gives it do I give to you.”

No wonder we pray in the collect for peace, “give us that peace which the world simply cannot give.” In our Gospel lesson for today Jesus promises that His peace may be ours.

I.                    In this world there continues to be contention and strife. “Come unto Me all those who are carrying heavy burdens” (v.18)

A.        We live in a fallen world that by definition is filled with contention and strife.

B.        This contention was brought about by the devil who tempted Adam and Eve causing them to fall headlong into sin.

C.        No matter what man attempts he cannot produce a lasting peace. If any thing it will be temporary and fleeting.

TRANSITION: Man as sinner by himself cannot find lasting peace. Only Christ has the sufficiency to give it.

II.                 Jesus offers true and lasting peace to all who would come to Him in faith.

A.        “Take My yoke upon you.” To be yoked it to be teamed with Him.  Thus the hymn writer will remind us, “Lord take Thy hand and lead me along life’s way…”

B.        “I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus is both humble and gentle.

1.      Gentle – He knows our needs, wants and fears. He deals with us according to our needs.

2.      Humble – In being human He took on flesh and fulfilled the Law for us.

TRANSITION: Christ has the sufficiency to be our peace.

III.               Jesus Christ alone is the source of our peace.

A.        His yoke is easy.

1.      Even a yoked teak will have a dominant member. “Savior lead, I follow Thee…”

2.      His yoke is easy for He leads, directs, and feeds us from day to day.

B.        His burden is light.  A purpose driven life? Possibly we haven’t still learned the difference between two words.

1.      Do – Law – what to do, what not to do, how to live – a tendency to give us “morality”

2.      Done – Gospel – What God in Christ has accomplished at the bloody cross and empty tomb.

CONCLUSION: Father, into Thy hands I commend myself… May Christ’s peace be yours this day.

 + Soli Deo Gloria +