A Reflection On Rest

When I am burdened

When Jesus tells us to take His yoke—the piece that binds and guides a beast of burden—upon us, He is not telling us to leave a state of freedom for His captivity. We are already slaves to our sense of independence and self-management. No, when He offers us His yoke, He is offering us a way out of the self-effort we’ve insisted on for years. He is offering us life-giving direction and purpose. He is generously giving us His own life. Dependence on Jesus is a prerequisite for obedience. We cannot reverse the order without being crushed beneath the obligations of life and our attempts at self-righteousness. We must be taught dependence first.

There is a huge difference between a taskmaster and a teacher. Which way do you most often view Jesus? Learn to see His yoke as a life-giving promise. Though He insists on everything we have in the transaction, He demands it for our freedom, not our captivity. Remember the gentleness of your Teacher, and know that His yoke never adds to your burden.

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 11:29