The Lodestar

A yoke is a wooden tackle that pairs two beasts of burden to pull a cart or plough. The Jewish Rabbis of Jesus' time used this as a metaphor for the Law that their students had to get used to. The Law is heavy and not easy, but the students must work hard to learn and practice it. The rabbis also expected ordinary people to follow the Law, however hard it may be for them.

Jesus used the same metaphor for his teaching. He invites his followers to learn from him. His teachings are not a heavy yoke on the shoulders, but since the teacher is "gentle and lowly," the teachings are "easy," and the burden they must pull is "light."

This contrast between Jesus' teachings and those of the religious teachers of the day does not mean that Jesus was teaching something less demanding. Many people who left Jesus complained, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" (John 6:60). Jesus himself said, "For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matt 7:14).

Still, having the yoke of Jesus (his teachings) on our shoulders makes life's journey lighter. Pulling the religious baggage, which leads us nowhere, is gruesome, but wearing Jesus' yoke and following him is the way to eternal life. There are no heavy religious burdens to carry. He requires only obedience and trust, no rituals, no pilgrimages, and so on.

"Follow me" is his command; following him, leaving all that makes our life burdensome, ought to be our response. As the Hymn writer penned, we should respond, "Just as I am without one plea, O Lamb of God, I come."

Are you weary from the weight of expectations, rituals, and burdens that never bring peace? Jesus offers a light yoke, not because the road is easy, but because He walks it with us. Lay aside what weighs you down and respond to His call: “Follow Me.” Take a moment today to surrender the baggage of empty religion and embrace the simplicity of obedience and trust. If this message resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear that there is a gentler, surer way to live.

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