(The following is from R’ Elimelech Biderman’s Torah Wellsprings)
When we study the episode of Matan Torah, one of the lessons that we become aware of is that Torah is for everyone. No one should think that Matan Torah isn't for them. We remain awake on Shavuos night, and the Magen Avraham (494) says that this is to rectify the sin of sleeping that occurred on the night of Matan Torah.
The Arugas HaBosem (Yisro) says that it doesn't make sense that the Jewish nation went to sleep on the night before Matan Torah. Within the Jewish nation were nevi'im, zekeinim, etc. Could it be that they all went to sleep? If we were told that we would meet with Hashem tomorrow, would we go to sleep?
The Arugas HaBosem answers that they fell asleep involuntarily. Hashem caused them to fall asleep. This occurred to teach the future generations that even if they are sleeping (in a spiritual sense, totally immersed in their parnassah and olam hazeh), they, too, can receive the Torah.
The Gemara (Shabbos 88a) tells us that the nation was afraid at each of the Aseres HaDibros and fell back twelve mil. Malochim had to push them back to the mountain, where they received the next mitzvah of the Aseres HaDibros, and once again, they fell back twelve mil.
This taught them that the path of receiving the Torah is full of ups and downs. One falls backward, he tries to come near again, and then he falls back again, but in the end, this is how one receives the Torah.
The story of Matan Torah is written in Parshas Yisro, which begins with the story of Yisro, who was a priest for avodah zarah, and he came to receive the Torah. Rebbe Leibele Eiger (Toras Emes, Yisro) explains that this is a good introduction to Matan Torah, to know that no matter which level you are on, you can receive the Torah and turn a new leaf.
Hashem asked the nations of Yishmoel, Eisav, and others if they wanted the Torah. They could have accepted the Torah had they wanted to. The Imrei Emes (5667) says that this gives encouragement and hope for all Yidden. No one should think that they are too low, that the Torah isn't for them.
"The Torah is mekarev [brings close] everyone, also those at a low level.”
The Medrash (Tanchuma Emor 11) states, “All the wonderful, sweet things that Hakodosh Boruch Hu will do for Yisroel, is all because of one shout, when they said Na’aseh V’Nishmah.” The Tosefta (Bava Kama 7:3) says that the Jewish nation wasn’t entirely sincere when they said Na’aseh V’Nishma. Their hearts weren't entirely prepared to keep the entire Torah. Nevertheless, Hashem accepted their proclamation, and because of it, Hashem gives so much kindness to Bnei Yisroel.
This also gives chizuk to those who, on Shavuos, want to proclaim Na’aseh V’Nishma with all their heart and soul, but deep down in their heart, they know they aren't entirely ready for that. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean your acceptance of the Torah isn't a wonderful accomplishment. Do what you can, and it will be precious to Hashem.
The Chasam Sofer (Drosha, Megillas Rus, d.h. vayehi) talks about the minhag of putting trees that don't grow fruit (אילני סרק ) in the beis hamedresh on Shavuos. The Chasam Sofer explains that these fruitless trees represent the Yidden who don't have Torah and mitzvos. We want them to know that they can also receive the Torah.
The Chasam Sofer (Drashos, Shavuos 5562) writes: "The Torah wasn't given to individuals, rather it was given to the entire Jewish nation...so that everyone should have a portion in Torah... Therefore, every Yid can have the same joy on Shavuos... The Torah was given...when we first left the slavery of Mitzrayim. We weren't yet worthy of Matan Torah. This was to tell us that there are no barriers, and we shouldn't lose hope from receiving our portion in Torah. Even if one is at a very low level, he is equal to the greatest."
The Beis Aharon (Rosh Chodesh Sivan) teaches this same lesson from the words:ויתיצבו בתחתית ההר - “They stood at the bottom of the mountain." He explains that this refers to people who are at a very low level. He writes, "Everyone can receive the Torah, no matter who he is, even if he is at the lowest level."
