A Heavy Burden

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'" Matthew 11:28-29

A yoke is a heavy wooden devise used to harness the working power of oxen and other animals. Jewish people described living under obedience to the Law as having a yoke upon them. Afraid of not being able to keep all the laws, the religious leaders made up other laws to help them keep the laws. Their teachings were cumbersome. The burden of keeping the law became heavy and people had become weary.

“Come to me,” Jesus said, “And I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you.” Jesus was saying that there is a better way. His way was not like that of the religious folks. His way is not cumbersome and difficult to follow. It starts by coming to Him. Come to Jesus. Hear his teaching. Learn about his mercy and grace. You won’t find any heavy burdens here. His way brings rest for your soul.