Matthew: Part 2Sample

When you hear the word yoke, what comes to mind?

Maybe you think about an egg because yolk and yoke sound really similar. Or you think, “that guy’s yoked”, meaning he’s super muscular. 

Jesus wasn’t talking about eggs or muscles in this passage. 

You see, a yoke was a giant wooden beam that you used to strap two oxen or other farm animals together. It joined them together so that they would work together and walk in the same direction. 

This was also the word used to talk about a rabbi’s set of teachings. 

When Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you,” what He’s saying is attach yourself to my way of life - follow my teachings and my example. If you follow Jesus’ teachings, “the burden is light,” meaning you will avoid a lot of hurt, pain, and the consequences of bad decisions. Living life Jesus’ way will bring rest for your soul.

Are there any areas of your life where you aren’t living life God’s way? Is there anything in your life that you don’t want to give up control of? Share that with a group leader or a trusted friend and ask them to help you follow Jesus’ way in that area.