I've read this scripture for years. Coming up as a child in the church; this scripture was quoted so many time. Walter Hawkins even wrote a song with these very words. But never had I really taken the time to study this passage of scripture to see what Jesus was really telling His disciples, until now.
This past Sunday, my pastor mentioned this scripture and he defined the word YOKE as "the word of God or the teachings of Jesus. Liked unto the laws of the Old Testament."This sparked a question in my mind, because I had never heard it explained that way. Being a student of the word, I begin to study more about what Jesus meant and if the word REALLY meant what he (my pastor )said. This is why you have to study the word for yourself to be sure you're getting the word the way Jesus intended.
And yes, he was right. In the Greek the word Yoke means, "to be as that of slavery, troublesome laws imposed. A balance, pair of scales." If you've ever seen anything on a scale, you know it's hard to balance them them because either one side is heavier than the other. An uneven scale is hard to carry. Just like a heavy load, it's hard to carry alone.
NOW, I get it. I now understand what Christ meant when He said take my yoke upon you and learn of me. In the Old Testament people lived by the laws God created for them to live by. There were so many rules, most people never lived up to them. There were 613 laws He created in the Old Testament days. No who could ever live by that many laws? We can barely live by the ten commandments and or abide by the laws of the land, not less try to remember and live by 613 laws. So, Jesus came to abolish the laws.
With Jesus, we have Grace and Mercy. Jesus Christ is the law now. What He says is how we live. Take my Yoke = take my words, take me and learn of me, study who I am. Because what I'm asking you to do is easy compared to what the laws and the Pharisees required of you.
This is the good news my friends. Jesus Christs' yoke is easy... Follow Him and Love One Another. :). That's all he requires. Now, that's a yoke I believe I can carry. If we do good, good will follow. Love Christ and Serve His People. I believe in doing this our lives will be filled with the Light of Christ that other's will see and will want to be.
Matthew 11:30 - For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
- Don't make it harder than it has to be
- Love God everyday
- Show Love everyday
- God will get the glory everyday
- You'll feel better when you lay down to rest everyday
Smile, Showup, Succeed Everyday
Remember to Find Peace Within
Be blessed,
Ms. Lisa D. 🌻🐝
