Todd Clippard

Topic(s): Bible Study, Jesus, Christian Life

The yoke was an instrument that bound and fit together. More so, it provided stability, guidance, and created an environment for "teamwork." Additionally, the yoke required the submission of the wearer. In the day of Jesus, the Jews would have naturally thought of the yoke as synonymous with Roman domination (Matt 5:41).

In the context of Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus makes the application of the need for humility and submission to His will. Commenting on this passage, A.T. Robertson wrote,

"Humility was not a virtue among the ancients. It was ranked with servility. Jesus has made a virtue of this vice. He has glorified this attitude so that Paul urges it (Phil 2:3), "in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself."
(Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament, Copyright (c) 1985 by Broadman Press).

The word translated "easy" in verse 30 is better understood as "goodness." In other words, Jesus is teaching that His way is the way of goodness, though it be the opposite of worldly or popular thought.

In taking upon ourselves the yoke of Jesus, we become laborers together with Him (2 Cor 6:1), allowing His will to have sway in our lives, realizing the goodness thereof.