Yoke of Jesus

One Reply to “Yoke of Jesus”

1. Jesus begins this section of scripture by bringing honor to the Father, Lord of heaven and earth. The complexity of this statement is apparent when we reflect on the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Perhaps it’s time to grab Grudem’s, Systematic Theology text and dig deep into the meaning of this statement that quickly flows by in scripture. There is much written about this subject that I would like to focus on that only in another post. For now, I want to accept this statement in the context of a mourning savior of the world who looks upon the unrepentant towns with sadness. There is no remorse for the towns themselves; rather, much like the church, towns are really collections of people–and people matter so much to Jesus, and they should matter to us today.

   Yet people are often so wise in their own sight that they cannot see the truth that is set before them. Our own country’s legal system is reminiscent of the pharisaical system that Jesus protested against so vehemently. The answer is not to attempt to stand above others and proclaim our vast and obvious super knowledge (hopefully you get the intended sarcasm), the answer is to get involved, not withdraw. To become part of our communities, not stand over in judgment.

   The wise and learned are off debating principles and lofty things, but my mind is on the simple, mundane, the things that children would be open to learning and enjoying the process.

   No one truly knows the Son other than the Father. There are many things we may know, but we will not fully know the Son like the Father. But that is enough. These words are recorded in Luke as well, read this carefully:

   and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

   Jesus does not hide his message. In reality, he spoke in very public places to ordinary people (the exceptional were always invited). Matthew carefully constructs the text to follow this strong statement by Jesus to includes this powerful scripture:

   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.

   Jesus invites us to come to him, all of us. He invites us to come just when we’re weakest, most vulnerable, like children, and he promises to give us rest.

   His yoke, the lessons he teaches, is not difficult to understand. The yoke of the Pharisees is heavy and burdensome–for the sake of being heavy and burdensome! Few could succeed in living by their yoke and Jesus points this out time and time again. His yoke is easy and will not burden us.  Later, the Apostle Paul encourages to remember that “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1).

   In the wake of discouraging news it’s important to hear these words fully. All need to come to Jesus to find true rest. Help us Lord to be a people that would meet them half-way, even two-thirds of the way!

    

    

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