Matthew 11:28-30

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The pious religious leaders of Jesus’ day had burdened the Jewish people with many rules for living an “acceptable” life. Then along came Jesus, setting people free from the burdens of trying to be good enough for God. Jesus told the people to take off those burdens and pick up his yoke. There is still a yoke—following Jesus means commitment and sacrifice—but his yoke yields joy, fruitful service and fulfillment.

There are a couple of extremes in the world today. Some believers want to take away other believers’ freedom in Christ and replace it with a list of rules for how to live acceptably. These people are modern-day Pharisees. Others claim to be Christians but throw out all of the Bible’s clear commands. The first group ignores grace; the second abuses it. In between stands Jesus, having set us free from bondage in order to take up his yoke of righteousness.

We can live the joyous life of grace. Jesus’s yoke is not meant to drag us down into shame or guilt but to make us contagious, thankful, joyous believers.

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME:

• You can come to me with your weariness and heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

• Take up my yoke, for it fits perfectly and is light.

MY PRAYER TO GOD:

Thank you, Jesus, for setting me free from my burden of sin and my attempts at trying to be good enough for you. You paid the price—for me to try to do more is to say that your death wasn’t sufficient. Your yoke fits perfectly. Amen.