Matthew 11:29 says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart ….” To “take” something means you have to reach out to grab it. In New Testament times, the land was full of farmers. He was talking about a harness that connects two farming animals together.
 
Typically, a younger ox would be paired with an older and stronger one, so that the younger ox could learn from the older. The purpose of the yoke was three-fold. First, it created companionship while the animals worked. Secondly, it taught the younger ox about submission. And third, it allowed the weight to principally fall upon the ox which could handle it best. Even though there were two oxen, they did not both pull the same weight. The stronger ox carried more of the burden. 
 
Even though there were two oxen, they did not both pull the same weight.
 
So, when Jesus asks you to yoke up with Him, He is reminding you of His strength. He is reminding you that you don’t have to carry all the weight of your burden. If you will hook up with Him, He will do the work while you simply walk alongside Him in a spirit of surrender. 
 
So, when Jesus asks you to yoke up with Him, He is reminding you of His strength.
 
You get to enjoy the companionship He provides while He handles the hard stuff in your life. He can handle the weight.
 
Check out more from Dr. Tony Evans @tonyevans.org

About The Author

Dr. Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.


At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans’ church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush’s Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.


Dr. Evans serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 850 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.


Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books includes, Kingdom Man, A Moment For Your Soul, Marriage Matters, and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.



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