Farmers have a fantastic ability to connect things. They join two different trees to produce hybrid fruit (e.g., plumcots = plums + apricots) and crossbreed different varieties of flowers for variant colors. Some farmers even combine a weak tree with a more vigorous plant to help an ailing sapling.

We can see that same connection with Jesus. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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.”

Classic cowboy films often depict a man using a team of animals to pull a heavy plow, preparing the field for planting. The two animals share the load to accomplish the task together. However, the two beasts must be of the same kind. In other words, a rabbit could not pull a load if yoked with a horse, and a horse can’t keep the same pace if joined to a cow.

The same applies to the Christian life. Believers who link themselves to anything other than Jesus Christ are on a foolish mission. Life becomes burdensome, and the pressure of temptation escalates. We rely on experiences and good works to see us through complex tasks, but we often fail. Success may come for a while until the act becomes too overwhelming. It is then that we look to another to share the load. If no person is available, we find external comforts in drugs, sex, alcohol, or even gossip to help us divert the pain that living in the world encompasses.

But Jesus tells us that is not necessary. He has made Himself available. He is willing to ‘yoke’ with us to help us carry the load that leads to sanctification.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible says the following:

Our Savior has invited all who labor and are heavy-laden to come unto him. Those who toil to establish their righteousness also labor in vain. Thus, the duty and interest of weary and heavy-laden sinners is to come to Jesus Christ. But in coming to Him, they must take his yoke and submit to his authority. They must learn of him all things, to their comfort and obedience.

He accepts the willing servant; however, it requires self-denial and exposure to difficulties, but this is abundantly repaid by inward peace and joy, even in this world. It is a yoke lined with love. So powerful are the assistances he gives us, so suitable the encouragements, and so strong the consolations to be found in duty that we may honestly say it is a yoke of pleasantness.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that we are not alone? Jesus Christ, who took the form of man and came to Earth to save us from our sins, was tempted in all things, yet He never succumbed to the pressures of life. He was yoked with the Holy Spirit and had the power to live an uncompromising life.

So then, why would you pass up the opportunity to yoke with Him? Jesus is holding out the brace and asking you to join Him. Take it; His strength is sufficient to pull you to glory.