I came across this in a Bible study recently. The study guide brought out the idea that a yoke harnesses two oxen to a plow—not one. Jesus’ yoke partners us with Him.
We are no longer carrying our burdens alone. But the more I thought about this concept, the more I realized that this is no ordinary partnership. We are not giving the fullness of our burden to our friend or our spouse.
When we are in these relationships, we at most enjoy an equal partnership or equal sharing of our burden. When we share a burden with Jesus, we should be giving the burden to Him. We shouldn’t be carrying it at all.
This yoke that Jesus is offering is one of training. In student teaching, I was never fully in charge of the class. There was always a mentor teacher present. If we are harnessed to Jesus’ yoke, we never have to carry the full weight.
We are never in complete control. God is in control and carrying the bulk of the weight, even all of the weight. No wonder His yoke is so easy!
Memory Verse:
“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.”
– Matthew 11:29-30 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Dear God, sometimes it is so hard to remember that You are God, that You are in total control, and that You can handle the full weight of my problems. Teach me and train me to be the person You want me to be. Help me to give You the fullness of my burdens, starting with . . .”
Contributing Writer:
Jennifer Widner
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