An Easy Yoke by David Jeremiah

Wednesday, October 25

An Easy Yoke 

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. 
Matthew 11:29 

Recommended Reading Matthew 23:1-4

Throughout His ministry, Jesus directed His words at two audiences: the nation of Israel as a whole and people as individuals. Both occur in His famous invitation in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to Me. . . . for I am gentle and [humble] in heart.” He invites His listeners to exchange their heavy yokes and burdens for His “easy” and “light” ones.

Corporately, His words might be connected to Psalm 81:6: “I removed his shoulder from the burden; his hands were freed from the baskets,” a reference to God rescuing Israel from the burden of slavery in Egypt. Jesus was picturing Himself as continuing the provision of rest begun by Israel’s God in the Old Testament. Individually, His words probably refer to the religious loads and burdens heaped upon people by the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-4). People could exchange the burden of the Law for the rest of grace in Christ. In both cases, Jesus was speaking to weary people. They could come to Him without fear of rebuke or judgment.

Our humility should have the same effect on others. They should know they can rest in our spiritual presence and find refreshment in Christ through us.

Thou hast created us for Thyself, and our heart is not quiet until it rests in Thee.
Augustine