My Yoke Is Easy

Jesus said, "Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened. . . ." Mt. 11:28a NIV) He died on a cross because of the invitation—because He carried the sins of the world.

We can’t carry the burden that Jesus carried, of course. But Paul invited Jesus’ followers to share the burdens of those who sin when he wrote, Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal 6:2) So when we reach out to help someone in trouble—perhaps even trouble they’ve brought upon themselves—we take part in the ministry of Jesus, even complete or fulfill His work on earth.

Jesus also referred to carrying each other’s burdens when He said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart. . . .” (Mt. 29a NIV)

Through lifting the burdens of others and bringing them to Jesus we can enter His ministry and His rest. “For me yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (v. 30)

Originally published August 31, 1984.