Real Rest: Jesus Over Shadows

Sabbath Saturday #4

Have you ever wondered why we don’t chase after old rules and rituals? It’s because we have something far better. Rules were never the ultimate goal—they pointed forward to the real thing. And now, the real thing is here: Jesus Himself.

Colossians 2:17 makes this beautifully clear:

“These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”

Think of it like this: imagine trying to embrace someone’s shadow instead of the person standing right in front of you. That’s what it’s like when we pursue rituals or rules rather than the living, breathing Jesus who stands ready to offer real rest.

Over the past few weeks, we've seen how Jesus personally invites us into His rest (Matt. 11:28), how He's the Lord who gives us true rest beyond rules (Matt. 12:8), and how we enter this rest by faith rather than our own efforts (Hebrews 4:9). Today, let’s leave shadows behind and step fully into the substance—Jesus Himself.

Jesus is the real, living Sabbath-rest. You don’t have to prove yourself worthy or check all the religious boxes. His rest isn’t something you earn—it’s a gift you receive. Trusting Him means exchanging the endless cycle of striving for the joy of simply resting in His finished work.

This Sabbath Saturday, swap out one exhausting task or pressure you feel burdened by and replace it with trust. Believe that Jesus is enough—for your peace today, your hope tomorrow, and your worship with Redeemer Church in Wichita Falls.

Real rest is right here. Jesus is the substance—so rest confidently in Him today and come ready to celebrate His sufficiency tomorrow.