“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Jesus, in this statement, extends an invitation that is for all. The word “Come” in verse 28 is not an imperative but it is a request. One does not have to go to Jesus. Each person must decide to answer this invitation or not. If one does heed the request, it is of great benefit and profit for the follower. The reason to follow Jesus is to find rest. Every person alive has suffered labor and a heart that is heavy laden. These burdens seem to become even more difficult to bear as we grow older. Any burden that man faces has already been experienced by Christ (Hebrews 4:15). What a great advocate we have in Him. Jesus understands all of our trials and asks that those who follow Him live like Him.
Jesus wants us to be yoked to Him. A yoke is two u shaped pieces connected by a crossbar that is usually made of wood. It was placed around the neck of an animal—usually oxen. It is used for greater strength in pulling a load while working together. Jesus wants to work with His followers in going through this life by being yoked to them. Again the idea is free will for all who will consider this. We do not have to take the yoke. However, if the goal is to get to God, why would we not go to the one who knows the way? Those who go to Jesus can be yoked with Jesus who: 1) Has overcome the world (John 16:33). 2) Has overcome death (Hebrews 2:14). 3) Has gone back to the Father in Heaven (Mark 16:19). 4) Has the perfect understanding of the Master’s commands (John 6:68). 5). Has traveled the path we must go (John 14:6).
When I was younger, my family would put up hay every summer. I was usually throwing the hay from the wagon into the barn, but occasionally I would be on the inside of the barn stacking where some great treasures of a farmer could be found. My great-grandfather had a yoke that was hanging near a wagon away from where we stacked the hay. I always had desire to go over and get the yoke down and look at it but was always overcome by a fear of the snakes that were in that section of the barn. I would always look at the yoke and wonder what it would have been like to actually use such a contraption on a frequent basis. I remember thinking that it would be very difficult to use and get on the oxen. Never did I think that the yoke was easy even though I understood the purpose.
Christ says that His yoke is easy. This means that it is a great fit for the one who will wear it. Christ is the perfect sacrifice for the horribleness of sin. This perfect sacrifice has brought a perfect system for following God. No longer is the Christian paralyzed by the labors and burdens of life that give no hope. In Christ Jesus one can find purpose and hope. The Christian can live a life that gives identity to what is and what is not important. It gives the Christian promise of eternal life that is attainable because of the sacrifice of Christ. From Christ we learn of Him and how He is our great example. He is gentle and He is humble. These are great characteristics to be polished for those that follow Him. Being yoked to Jesus, the work is possible and the work is profitable. It will fill our lives with the greatest of all hope and rest will be given to the soul. Are you yoked with Christ? Won’t you come?
Scott is the minister at the Elm Grove Church of Christ. Meeting times are Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class and 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for worship. Mid-week Bible study is on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. All are invited.