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That these words are to be interpreted as relating to Jesus Christ is manifest both from the preceding and subsequent context, and from the general tenor of the Word of God. The doctrine of salvation through the Messiah opens the sources of genuine happiness to believing men. This is eminently the rest, — it is here alone that they can find satisfaction.

I. THE NATURE OF THAT REST WHICH IS ENJOYED IN CHRIST. The term "rest" is here employed to denote spiritual enjoyment: it imports that unspeakable delight and satisfaction with which a believing soul. reposes itself in Christ Jesus, as its portion and happiness, its all and in all. This is a rest far more refreshing than the most seasonable relief from bodily labours or temporal troubles — no created good can at all be compared with it. It exclusively deserves the name of "the" rest, as everything else which assumes the appearance of rest is ideal, and this only is real and substantial.

1. What are the sources of spiritual rest? This rest arises from —

(1) A spiritual discovery of the infinite excellence of the Redeemer's person. When the enlightened believer is possessed with a sense of the glories of Christ's person, all created glory vanishes, as the stars do before the sun.

(2) A view of the all-atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christi Consider three important particulars in the sacrifice of Christ, — its inherent and infinite merit, the authority by which it is appointed, and the public declaration which has been given of its acceptance.

2. The effects with which this rest is accompanied.

(1) Pardon of sin.

(2) Acceptance with God, and the enjoyment of His special favour and love.

(3) Deliverance from the reigning power and dominion of sin.

(4) The delightful prospect of eternal happiness in Heaven.

II. THE CHARACTER OF THE PERSONS FOR WHOM THIS REST IS PROVIDED. "The weary." Under this description we may include —

1. All unregenerated sinners to whom this rest is offered. They are represented as wearying themselves with very vanity (Habakkuk 2:13), wearying themselves to commit iniquity. (Jeremiah 9:5), and as wearying God (Isaiah 7:13; Isaiah 43:24). To all persons of this description spiritual rest is offered; but it will never be relished till the sinner is united to the Saviour.

2. We are principally to understand by the term "weary," all the children of God who are heavy laden with their spiritual burdens. They are weary —

(1) With a sense of aggravated guilt.

(2) With the conflict which they maintain with sin and Satan.

(3) With their crying under the hidings of God's face (Psalm 13:1; Psalm 77:7-10).

(4) With those disquieting fears of death where: with they are harassed.

(T. Chalmers, D. D.)

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KJV: To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

WEB: to whom he said, "This is the resting place. Give rest to weary;" and "This is the refreshing;" yet they would not hear.