"Yoked" is not a term we commonly use...What was Jesus trying to convy?
The topic of ‘yoke’ has several layers. We have already spoken of the fact that in the culture of the day, the teachings of a rabbi were called his ‘yoke’, and those who desired to follow him in a discipleship relationship were said to be ‘yoked’ to that particular rabbi. Certainly this would have been the clearest meaning at the time. And it still applies today.
But let’s go a little further. Is this OUR ‘yoke’? No. Jesus says this is HIS yoke. Not ours. He invites us to share in His yoke. Hold that thought….we will address it later on.
In the natural, when two are yoked together they must, by virtue of that yoke, go in the same direction - - otherwise it will surely cause pain for BOTH, and nothing will be accomplished. Yoke speaks of agreement, unity and oneness.
Additionally, when farming, a younger animal would be yoked to a more mature one so that the mature one could take the lead and direct the younger. Yoke speaks of submission.
Further, there is the sharing of the burden – the older animal in the example above would bear the majority of the load. We are not in this alone. Jesus is not only sharing our burdens, but actually bearing them if we let Him. Yoke speaks of release of burden (rest).
This intimate joining also speaks of a covenant relationship, which is a whole teaching in itself.. vitally important for us to understand, but too lengthy to address here.
Finally, consider that the ‘yoke’ of Jesus is the cross. For it is there that He bore the weight and the penalty of our sins. It is in that respect it was HIS ‘yoke’, not ours. We are merely invited to join Him and benefit from His finished work – and to walk closely with Him all the days of our life.
As you ponder these truths, thank Him for inviting you to share His yoke – that He bore the weight and penalty of your sin, that He leads and guides you, and that He desires you to walk closely with Him today.
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