“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.” (Matt. 11:28-30)
Yoked together
A farmer once had two oxen yoked together to plow his field. The older, stronger ox carried most of the weight, while the younger, weaker one simply walked beside him. Because they were bound together, the weaker ox was able to do the work without being crushed by the load. In the same way, Jesus calls us to take His yoke upon us—not to burden us further, but to carry the weight we cannot bear on our own.
Rest in His presence
We live in a restless world, filled with heavy burdens—worry, guilt, work pressures, broken relationships, and uncertainty about the future. Yet Jesus promises true rest, not merely physical relief but rest for our souls. His rest comes from His presence, His gentleness, and His strength. It is not found in striving harder, but in surrendering more fully.
Therefore
When life feels overwhelming, come to Jesus. Lay your burdens at His feet and take up His yoke instead. His way is not heavy—it is filled with grace and peace.
The right response is twofold:
Surrender your burdens—stop carrying them alone and give them to Christ.
Walk with Him daily—learn from His gentleness and trust His strength to guide you.
“And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” (Exo. 33:14 ESV)
“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’” (Isa. 30:15 ESV)