My Yoke is easy

**This article was originally posted by Diego Gomes to his blog www.diegogomes.blog please visit for more articles and reflections from Diego.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).

You may not be familiar with the term “yoke” in Jesus’ words. A yoke is a tool used in livestock farming to link two animals, usually oxen, so they can work together to plow the fields. Typically, one of the oxen is older and more experienced, possessing greater strength and endurance, while the other is younger, full of energy, but still learning and developing.

The yoke allows the younger animal to learn by following the lead of the stronger one, walking side by side. Jesus uses this metaphor to teach us that He desires to walk with us, guiding us in our journey as His disciples. He has the strength to carry burdens that would be unbearable for us, and by His side, we find true rest:

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” (Psalm 23:2-3).

Jesus’ leadership is expressed through His invitation to discipleship. He doesn’t just call us to follow Him; He calls us to learn from Him and live as He did. When we submit to His leadership, we become more like the Master—not only in our actions but also in our character, growing in humility and gentleness.

Beyond leading us, Jesus also corrects us. King David beautifully describes God’s loving discipline:

“For you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

In ancient Israel, a shepherd used a rod to guide and correct a wandering sheep and a staff with a hooked end to rescue one that had fallen into a pit. Likewise, Jesus is committed to teaching us how to walk in a way that honors God. Because He loves us, He corrects us whenever necessary.

The compassionate love and mercy of Jesus reach us every day, giving us new opportunities to grow. He doesn’t teach us from a distance, as if through an online course or virtual mentorship. Instead, the Word became flesh to dwell among us, walking by our side, caring for us as a present Shepherd and a faithful friend:

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11).

Many times, we feel weary and overwhelmed because we are trying to live life our own way, carrying burdens too heavy for us and walking without purpose. But Jesus invites us to come to Him, to surrender control, and to submit to His perfect leadership. Only then will we find the rest our souls so deeply long for.