M A T T H E W 11:28–30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Reflection:
Jesus offers the invitation of rest. A yoke is used to ease the burden of a heavy load. A wooden crossbar that connected two oxen eased the burden of plowing. However, the yoke itself can become a constraint that wearies. Sin and self-imposed standards of righteousness can and often will cripple. Jesus invites us to learn from Him, to join Him in discovering a different way for our lives. His teaching, although challenging, will result in rest, not added burdens.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011).