Matthew 11:28-30 “28 ’Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.’”

Don’t you just love this verse? Christ offers to put a yoke on us and promises that it will be easy. Right! I’ve heard that before. I have heard that from previous bosses. Not me! No way!

Now wait a minute. Let’s look at this. He said take “My yoke” not just any yoke. That yoke had a place for two. Jesus on one side and you on the other. He would be the one directing and leading. He would take the responsibility of the load, not you. He just wants you to come along and learn.

When someone back then yoked two animals together, they always had one that knew what they were doing. The other, perhaps younger, animal would sometimes pull against the older one in the yoke and cause chaffing or sores to develop. When the pain got too much, they would reluctantly go along with the older animal, thus reducing the strain on those sore spots.

Don’t you think our children pull against the yoke sometimes? You are leading them in one direction, but they are determined to go in another. Can I give you some advice? YOU are the lead oxen. YOU must lead them. YOU must show them how to plow or carry that burden. They do NOT know how to yet. Stop being so “child friendly” and be “yoke friendly.” God has put you in that yoke for a reason – to lead them. But you can only lead them as you allow Jesus to lead you.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to hurt. Won’t you allow Jesus to put His yoke on you? Won’t you let Him lead? It is a lot less painful.