Throughout his public ministry, Jesus addressed people who were overworked or carrying
heavy loads due to political and religious oppression. Amid their troubles, Jesus offered them a reprieve: “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
In ancient times, a yoke was a wooden device fastened over the necks of oxen and attached to the carts they pulled. With this contextual understanding, is Jesus telling us that we must work hard while God sits and drives the cart we are pulling? Quite the contrary.
Most often, a yoke implied not one but two working animals joined together. Weaker animals would usually be paired with a stronger companion to share the load. When the weaker animal struggled, the stronger one would step up to the challenge. Not only would the animals work
together, but they would also be kept alongside each other while resting and sleeping as well. After a while, it was found that the weaker animal would often grow in strength and stature as it lived alongside its stronger counterpart.
Jesus invites us to step under the yoke with him. No life is free of burdens, but we can share our burdens with the incarnate God, who will help pull the load when we cannot. When yoked with Jesus, we learn to experience God as a strong lover and friend. Together we walk the walk, pull the cart, and lie down in green pastures together.
Are you feeling weary? Are you carrying any heavy burdens that you are struggling to bear?
How does the metaphor of Jesus inviting you to step under the yoke with him encourage you in your despair?
In your walk with Jesus, have you noticed yourself growing in strength as Jesus has journeyed alongside you?
Reflections by Joe Taylor
