Matthew 11:28-30 - The light yoke

While we're told that we are to bear each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2), who makes the first move? If we all wait for someone to help us out first, then we'll all be stuck in our own little bubble.

Fortunately, Jesus interrupts our self-preservation. He invites us to let Him carry our burdens. The ironic paradox is that Jesus lightens our load by trading it in for a different load.

Matthew 11:28–30 (NET Bible) — 28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry."

How can we have rest while shouldering a yoke?

A yoke is shouldered by a beast of burden, like an ox. They wear it to serve their master, and it allows their master to direct where they should go, what they should do--whether it's plowing a field, or pulling up a tree stump. A good husbandman will treat his livestock with care, and not put on the animal more than it can handle.

The yoke that is "easy to bear" is allowing God to direct our life. It has the advantage of bringing us closer to Him; closer than if we were out roaming around just to exercise our free will. It has the advantage that he will only ask us to carry what we are able to do. Resisting God's will makes the burden heavier; the more we submit... the lighter.

Lord, most of the time I don't know what weight I'm capable of carrying. Regardless, I ask you for the grace to be yoked to Your control. Knowing that you're directing where I'm pulling, I can be at rest that it's all in Your perfect plan. Amen