Matthew 11 · Grade 4
Rest for the Weary
Read and Think
John the Baptist had boldly prepared the way for Jesus, but now he sat in Herod's prison. Perhaps discouraged, he sent his disciples to ask, "Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?" Jesus did not scold him. He pointed to the signs Isaiah had promised: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear. And the poor hear good news.
Jesus then honored John before the crowd as the greatest of the prophets, the messenger of Malachi's prophecy. Yet many in that generation rejected both John and Jesus, like children who complain no matter what game is played. Towns like Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum saw great miracles and still did not repent.
Jesus thanked the Father for hiding these things from the proud and revealing them to little children. Then He gave one of the sweetest invitations in the Bible: "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest." A yoke joined animals for work. Jesus' yoke is easy and His burden is light, because He is gentle and humble in heart.
Show What You Know
Why might John have sent his question to Jesus?
How did Jesus answer John?
What did the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum do wrong?
What is a yoke, and what does Jesus say about His?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- He pointed to the signs Isaiah had promised: the see, the lame walk, the deaf hear.
- And the poor hear news.
- Yet many in that generation rejected both John and , like children who complain no matter what game is played.
- Towns like Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum saw great miracles and still did not .
Think About It
Jesus was kind to John when he had doubts. How can that encourage you when you have questions?
What burdens or worries do you carry? How can you bring them to Jesus?
Memory Verse
““Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- What heavy load can you bring to Jesus for rest?
- How can you speak well about someone who is struggling?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.