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Rest unto Your Souls

A question from a prison cell, an invitation to the weary, and a Sabbath made for doing good

  • 📖 Adult Sunday School
  • Week 11
  • 📅 Sunday, March 14, 2027
💡 The big idea

Jesus Christ invites everyone who is weary to come to Him and take His yoke; His burden is light because He pulls with us, and His Sabbath is a day for rest and for doing good, not for heavier rules.

I can bring the Savior my honest questions and heavy burdens, yoke myself to Him by covenant, and use His Sabbath to rest and to do good.

Study it yourself firstRead Matthew 11–12; Luke 11 in Gospel LibraryCome, Follow Me manualOpen this week (Matthew 11–12; Luke 11)
Know the chapters

Matthew 11 opens with John the Baptist in prison sending a question to Jesus. Jesus pays tribute to John. He mourns a generation that rejected both John and Himself. He warns Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. The chapter ends with one of the most loved invitations in scripture. In 11:28 it’s “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden.” Matthew 12 moves to two Sabbath clashes. In 12:18–21, Matthew quotes Isaiah about a servant who won’t break a bruised reed. Jesus is accused of casting out devils by Beelzebub. He teaches that a tree is known by its fruit. Luke 11 adds “Lord, teach us to pray” and the friend at midnight. The Holy Spirit is promised to those who ask. In Luke 11:46 Jesus warns lawyers who “lade men with burdens grievous to be borne.”

Herod had put John in prison, as Matthew 14:3 says. From his cell John sends disciples to ask in 11:3, “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” The text doesn’t say whether John asked for himself or for his disciples. Jesus answers with evidence, not a rebuke. The blind see, the lame walk, and the poor hear the gospel. It echoes Isaiah’s prophecies of the Messiah in Isaiah 35:5–6 and 61:1. Then in 11:6 He adds, “blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” He praises John publicly as more than a prophet.

A yoke is a wooden beam that joins two animals so they pull together. Teachers of the law spoke of taking on the yoke of God’s commandments. Jesus offers His own yoke. In 11:29 He calls Himself “meek and lowly in heart.” The footnote says gentle and humble. The next chapter shows what heavy burdens looked like. Jewish tradition, later written in the Mishnah, listed thirty-nine kinds of work forbidden on the Sabbath. Reaping and threshing were two. So disciples plucking and rubbing grain could be accused of both. In 12:12 Jesus answers, “it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.”

Twenty-five minutes goes quickly. This lesson walks through Matthew 11 in five short readings, from John’s question in prison to “Come unto me.” It turns to the Sabbath in Matthew 12 as a short bonus. Luke 11 is ready in the extras, with “teach us to pray” and the friend at midnight.

Only have 5 minutes?

Read Matthew 11 once. Open by asking, “Besides weight, what makes a load feel heavy?” Walk through five short readings: 11:2–6, 7–11, 16–19, 25–27 and 28–30. Ask one question after each. Spend the most time on Heavy Burdens. Close by reading 11:28–29 again and inviting one or two testimonies. Ask everyone to bring one burden to the Savior this week.

What to bring2 items

Tick what you have. Forgot something? Every step that needs a supply has a no-supplies version in the plan below.

Before class

  1. Read Matthew 11 out loud once, then Matthew 12:1–14 and Luke 11:46. Mark Matthew 11:3, 6, 28, 29 and 30.
  2. Think of your honest answer to “What’s the heaviest thing I’m carrying right now?” You won’t share details. But if the room is quiet, you can say how it feels.

Discussion tips

  • Quiet class? After the last reading, have everyone reread Matthew 11:28–30 silently. Have them pick the one word that means the most. Then share your own word first.
  • One voice filling every pause? Thank them warmly, then say, “Let’s hear from someone who hasn’t had a chance yet.”
  • John’s question from prison may touch someone carrying doubts or unanswered questions. Treat sincere questions with the respect Jesus showed John. Answer with what you’ve seen and felt. Never embarrass or scold.
  • The Sabbath talk can slide into lists of dos and don’ts, or quiet judging of other families. Keep it personal and positive. What brings me closer to the Lord? What good can I do?
  • Visitors or new members? Explain who John the Baptist was and why he was in prison. Tap the references on the shared screen. Never ask anyone to read aloud without checking first.

The 25-minute plan25 min + bonus

Bonus steps are for when you have extra time. Each “On the screen” line is what the class sees on a shared screen in Teach Mode in the Gospel Sparks app; on paper, read it aloud or write it on the board.

1. Hook

The Heaviest Thing

3 min

Opens with a question about what really makes burdens heavy, before the Savior offers His yoke.

  1. SAY“Picture carrying a heavy box up a long flight of stairs. Besides the actual weight, what makes a load feel heavy?”
  2. Take several quick answers. Listen for carrying it alone, not knowing how long, not choosing it, or carrying it badly.
  3. SAY“Jesus offers the weary a different kind of load. We’ll start with a good man in prison who had a question.”

On the screen: 🎒 Besides the weight, what makes a load feel heavy?

2. Story

Matthew 11 in Five Short Readings

9 min

Walks through Matthew 11 a few verses at a time, from John’s question to the Savior’s invitation, so the invitation lands in context.

  1. SAY“We’ll walk through Matthew 11 in five short readings, from a prison cell to ‘Come unto me.’”
  2. Show one scene at a time and give the setup on the screen. The Savior speaks in every passage, so you read them.
  3. After each reading, ask the scene’s question and take two or three answers. Keep each stop about two minutes.
  4. Read the last passage slowly. Then let the quiet sit for a few seconds.

On the screen: ⛓️ Matthew 11: from a prison cell to “Come unto me” · Five short readings: 11:2–6 · 7–11 · 16–19 · 25–27 · 28–30

No supplies? Do this instead

Instead of: The shared screen (TV or device) with Teach Mode open

  1. SAY“We’ll walk through Matthew 11 in five short readings. The Savior speaks in each, so I’ll read.”
  2. Read verses 2–6, 7–11, 16–19, 25–27 and 28–30 yourself. Give each setup in your own words first.
  3. After each reading, ask the scene’s question aloud and take two or three answers. Keep each stop about two minutes.
3. Scripture

Take My Yoke

4 min

Studies the Savior’s invitation closely so class members see that He offers His yoke and Himself, not a load-free life.

  1. SAY“Let’s slow down on three verses.”
  2. Read Matthew 11:28–30 while the class follows on the screen.
  3. Explain that a yoke is a wooden beam joining two animals so they pull together. Teachers of the law spoke of the yoke of God’s commandments.
  4. Ask, “Find a command and a promise in each verse.” Then ask, “What does Jesus say about Himself?”
  5. Draw it out. “Meek and lowly” means gentle and humble. He doesn’t promise no yoke. He offers His yoke, with Him in it.

On the screen: 🐂 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. · Matthew 11:28–30 · Find a command and a promise in each verse.

4. Talk it over

Heavy Burdens and a Light One

6 min

Helps adults tell the burdens Christ lifts from the ones we pile on, and bring honest questions to Him the way John did.

  1. SAY“In Luke 11, verse 46, Jesus warned about ‘burdens grievous to be borne.’”
  2. SAY“Let’s talk about which loads He lifts, and which ones we pile on.”
  3. Pick two or three questions. Ask one, wait, then ask its follow-up before you move on.
  4. Let silence work. Count to seven before you rescue a question. If needed, share your own answer first.
💬 Ask the class
  • What “burdens grievous to be borne” do people load onto themselves or each other? Even in the Church? Follow-up: Which one is the Savior inviting you to set down?
  • John was faithful, in prison, and still had a question. What does Jesus’s answer teach us about bringing our sincere questions to Him? Follow-up: What evidence has He shown you?
  • What does being yoked with the Savior look like in an ordinary, overloaded week? Follow-up: When have you felt Him pulling with you?
  • How have your covenants made your load lighter, even when life didn’t get easier? Follow-up: What would you say to someone who feels the opposite right now?
  • Who do you know who is heavy laden right now? Follow-up: How could you help them find His rest, not just more to do?

On the screen: ⚖️ “Burdens grievous to be borne” … or “my burden is light”? · Luke 11:46; Matthew 11:28–30

5. Testimony

Rest unto Your Souls

3 min

Ends with testimony of the Savior’s rest and one simple invitation for the week.

  1. SAY“Jesus didn’t promise a life with no load. He promised Himself.”
  2. Read Matthew 11:28–29 again.
  3. Invite one or two people to share briefly. When did the Savior make a heavy load lighter?
  4. Bear a short testimony. Jesus Christ is gentle and humble. His rest is real.
  5. Invite: “This week, bring one burden to Him by name. Ask Him to pull it with you.”

On the screen: 🌿 Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest. · Matthew 11:28–29 · This week: bring Him one burden by name.

6. Talk it over

Lawful to Do Well

4 minBONUS

Turns the Sabbath from a list of restrictions into a sign of love for the Lord and a day for doing good.

  1. SAY“In chapter 12, the Pharisees watch Jesus in the synagogue, hoping to accuse Him.”
  2. Read Matthew 12:10–13.
  3. Share Elder Russell M. Nelson’s words about the Sabbath from “From general conference” below.
  4. Ask one or two questions with follow-ups, then close on time.
💬 Ask the class
  • The Pharisees cared more about the rule than the man with the withered hand. Why do you think that was? Follow-up: Where can that creep into our own Sabbath?
  • Elder Nelson asked himself what sign he wanted to give to God. How could that question change your Sabbath? Follow-up: What would you change first?
  • What is one way to do good on the Sabbath that also brings you rest? Follow-up: Who could you include?

On the screen: 🤲 It is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. · Matthew 12:10–13

Read it together

A Question from Prison

Matthew 11:2–6; Matthew 11:7–11; Matthew 11:16–19; Matthew 11:25–27; Matthew 11:28–30 ↗

Scenes

  1. ⛓️ A question from a prison cell

    John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Now John is in Herod’s prison. I’ll read Matthew 11, verses 2 to 6. John sends an honest question. Jesus answers with evidence, and a blessing: “blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”

    💬 Ask: What do you notice about how Jesus answers a faithful man’s question? Follow-up: How does that help you with your own questions?

  2. 🌾 “More than a prophet”

    As John’s messengers leave, Jesus turns to the crowd. I’ll read verses 7 to 11. John is no “reed shaken with the wind.” Notice when Jesus praises him. It’s right after John asked a hard question.

    💬 Ask: What does that timing tell you about how the Lord sees sincere questions?

  3. 🎶 Children in the marketplace

    In verses 12 to 15, Jesus adds that John is the promised Elias. I’ll read verses 16 to 19. John fasted, and they said he had a devil. Jesus ate with sinners, and they called Him a glutton. Nothing satisfied them.

    💬 Ask: Why is it tempting to find a reason to dismiss every messenger? Follow-up: Where might we do that today?

  4. 👶 Revealed unto babes

    In verses 20 to 24, Jesus mourns cities that saw His mighty works and still didn’t repent. Chorazin. Bethsaida. Even Capernaum. I’ll read verses 25 to 27. He thanks His Father for hiding these things from the “wise and prudent.” And for revealing them “unto babes.”

    💬 Ask: What does it mean to be teachable like a child? Follow-up: When has humility opened something you had missed?

  5. 🐂 “Come unto me … and I will give you rest”

    After a chapter of doubt, rejection and pride, the Savior turns to everyone who is worn out. I’ll read verses 28 to 30, slowly. He doesn’t offer a lighter list. He offers Himself.

    💬 Ask: Which word in these three verses do you most need this week?

Key verse

Matthew 11:28–30 ↗
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
In plain words: Jesus doesn’t promise a life with no load. He invites us to come to Him, be joined to Him, and learn from Him, and He pulls with us so that the weight becomes bearable and our souls find rest.

More verses

Matthew 11:6 ↗
“And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”
In plain words: There is a blessing for those who keep trusting Jesus even when His ways surprise them.
Matthew 12:12 ↗
“How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.”
In plain words: People matter more than rules about the Sabbath, and the Sabbath is a day made for doing good.
Matthew 12:20 ↗
“A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.”
In plain words: The Savior is gentle with what is fragile. He won’t snap a bent reed or blow out a flickering wick.
Luke 11:13 ↗
“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
In plain words: If imperfect parents give good gifts, our perfect Father will certainly give the Holy Ghost to those who ask.

From general conference

“When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, “What sign do I want to give to God?” That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear.”

— Elder Russell M. Nelson, “The Sabbath Is a Delight,” April 2015

Share in the bonus discussion Lawful to Do Well, after reading Matthew 12:10–13.

Read the talk ↗

Songs

  • The Lord Is My Shepherd Hymns, no. 108

    A hymn of rest and restoration under the Lord’s care, fitting for “Come unto me.” Find it ↗

  • I Need Thee Every Hour Hymns, no. 98

    A quiet closing hymn for anyone who is heavy laden and coming to the Savior for rest. Find it ↗

This week’s invitation

Yoked with Him

This week, name one heavy burden in prayer. Ask the Savior to pull it with you. Then take one covenant step that yokes you to Him. Think sacrament, temple, scripture study or sincere repentance. And plan one way to do good next Sabbath, like a visit, a note, a meal or family time.

Take it home

In Sunday School we read Matthew 11–12. John the Baptist sent a question from prison. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus invited everyone weary to “Come unto me … and I will give you rest.” In Matthew 12:12 He taught that “it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.” At dinner, ask what feels heavy for each person this week. Read Matthew 11:28–30 together. Plan one way your family can do good next Sunday.

📝 After class

What worked? Who needs a check-in this week? Jot it here on a printed copy, or in the app’s private class notes.

Got extra time?

🙏 Lord, Teach Us to Pray · 4 min

  1. Read Luke 11:1–4. Point out that the disciples asked after watching Jesus pray.
  2. Ask, “What have you learned about prayer by watching someone else pray?”

🚪 The Friend at Midnight · 5 min

  1. Read Luke 11:5–8. “Importunity” means persistence, even boldness. The friend is asking for a guest, not for himself.
  2. Read Luke 11:9–13. Ask, “What does ‘how much more’ teach about Heavenly Father’s willingness to answer?” Follow-up: “Whom are you knocking for right now?”

🎋 A Bruised Reed · 4 min

  1. Read Matthew 12:18–21. Matthew quotes Isaiah 42:1–4 about the Lord’s servant.
  2. Point out verse 20. He won’t break a bruised reed or quench smoking flax.
  3. Ask, “When have you felt like a bruised reed or a smoking wick?” Follow-up: “How has the Savior treated you then?”

🥣 Clean Within · 4 min

  1. Read Luke 11:39–42.
  2. Point out that Jesus doesn’t call tithing mint and rue wrong. In 11:42 He says not to leave “judgment and the love of God” undone.
  3. Ask, “Which of our good outward habits could crowd out the love of God if we’re not careful?”

Sources

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version, the Bible used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tap or click a reference to open it in Gospel Library. Start with the official Come, Follow Me manual; these ideas are here to help it come alive.

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