Meaning of Jesus' Yoke

Gospel Thoughts

Advent Season : 2nd Week - Wednesday

GOSPEL Mt 11:28-30

First Reading - Is 40:25-31

Meaning of Jesus' Yoke

*1) The ordinary understanding of the Yoke*

Yoke is a wooden piece designed in such a way which has the following advantages 

A) It is an instrument of union. It unites two oxen together

B) It is an instrument which makes the oxen to share the burden equally with the other. So yoke is a instrument which helps to share the burden 

C) Yoke is a special instrument which fits very well into the neck of the oxen. In fact a good yoke  fits well on the neck and shoulders of the animal  that helps to prevent the pain or discomfort.

D) A yoke is an instrument which makes the work of the oxen easy and less tiresome.

*2) Negative meaning of the Yoke*

Yoke is also an instrument of bondage, slavery

It is also represents for subjugation or controlling some one or something

It also represents for total submission to another. 

*3) The Yoke of Jesus*

The yoke of Jesus is an instrument to submit oneself to Jesus fully and totally

In ancient culture, the word yoke was a term that was used to describe submission. So when someone was described as being yoked to someone or something, it was communicating the idea that he or she was in submission to that person or thing.

So to be yoked to Jesus is to serve and obey Him.

*4) To what and Where I am yoked?*

Different people are yoked to different things

Some are yoked to the power of sin. They are under its control. 

Some are yoked to the bodily pleasures, they are under their control 

Some are yoked to the power, position, wealth, money, name, publicity, and they are under their control

Some are yoked to the material things of this world, they are under their control. 

The question is to whom or what do one wants to be yoked?

*5) Jesus says take my yoke*

Jesus' yoke consists in sharing, helping, forgiving, healing, loving, sacrificing and encouraging one another 

Jesus says to take up His yoke, because it lightens the burden. For example, by forgiving, no burden will be added. By not forgiving the burden will increase

Like wise helping, sharing and encouraging one another lightens the burden. That's why Jesus says, take up my yoke.

*6) Jesus is the model for us to handle the Yoke*

Jesus says *Learn from me*. This is an indication about how to handle the yoke. 

*7) Two things which are necessary to take the Yoke* 

Meekness and Humility is necessary to take the yoke of Christ. 

*Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart*

Jesus' yoke is primarily to give rest and not to increase burden. That is the beauty of the yoke of Jesus? 

*8) Some questions*

Where is my yoke? 

In what things my yoke consists? 

Do I have yoke of humility, sincerity, truthfulness, forgiveness, sharing, sacrifice and other kingdom values? 

Or have I submitted myself to the yoke of pride, arrogance, revenge, anger, name, publicity, etc 

Think about it

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*