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• Men serve the world, and in that service they are like the sturdy ox;  a yoke is on their neck, and a burden on their back.  And this is true of all classes, from lowest to highest.  The yoke of Christ is freedom.  The service of God is the highest and truest liberty.  The laws of God are the laws of our highest nature;  and he who comes under those laws does but do what is fittest, rightest, most happy, and most highly natural for him.  When Christ gives his law, he gives a heart and a pleasure to keep that law, so that he who obeys it does as he pleases.


- D.D. Whedon, Commentary on the Gospels, Vol. I:  Matthew-Mark, p. 147

• The 3rd subsection is an invitation to discipleship, to accept the commandments of God as Jesus has set them forth.  It is the biblical equivalent of the phrase from the prayer book, "whose service is perfect freedom."


- Howard Clark Kee, Interpreter's One-Volume Commentary: Matthew, p. 623

• [This passage] echoes the invitation of wisdom found in Sirach 51:23-26 and is also found in a shorter (and perhaps earlier) form in the Gospel of Thomas:  "Jesus said:  Come to me, for easy is my yoke and my Lordship is gentle, and you shall find repose for yourselves."  It is another liturgical fragment.  In it Jesus is represented as the mouthpiece of the wisdom of God.  This is an early type of Church Christology, which again has its roots in the self-understanding of Jesus.


- Fuller, Reginald H., Preaching the Lectionary, p. 143

• The yoke of the law, as the Rabbis called it (cf. Pirqe Aboth 3:5), was something that proved heavy and burdensome because of its impersonal and external nature (cf. 23:4).  The acceptance of the yoke of Christ (His halaka or moral instruction) was different because of His character.


- R.E. Nixon, New Bible Commentary, Revised (1970):  Matthew, p. 831

• This is the gospel call; Whoever will, let him come. All who thus come will receive rest as Christ's gift, and obtain peace and comfort in their hearts. But in coming to him they must take his yoke, and submit to his authority. They must learn of him all things, as to their comfort and obedience. He accepts the willing servant, however imperfect the services. Here we may find rest for our souls, and here only. Nor need we fear his yoke. His commandments are holy, just, and good. It requires self-denial, and exposes to difficulties, but this is abundantly repaid, even in this world, by inward peace and joy. It is a yoke that is lined with love. So powerful are the assistances he gives us, so suitable the encouragements, and so strong the consolations to be found in the way of duty, that we may truly say, it is a yoke of pleasantness. The way of duty is the way of rest.


- Matthew Henry, Concise Commentary, Matthew 11:25-30

• The yoke probably represents the teaching of Christ, and there is an implied contrast with the burdensome teaching of the Pharisees (see Matthew 23:4).


- Atkinson, Basil F.C., New Bible Commentary (1954): Matthew, p. 788

• The rabbis used yoke for school as many pupils find it now a yoke. The English word "school" is Greek for leisure (scholê). But Jesus offers refreshment (anapausin) in his school and promises to make the burden light, for he is a meek and humble teacher. 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 (Php 2:3), "in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself." In portions of Europe today people place yokes on the shoulders to make the burden easier to carry. Jesus promises that we shall find the yoke kindly and the burden lightened by his help. "Easy" is a poor translation of chrêstos. Moffatt puts it "kindly." That is the meaning in the Septuagint for persons. We have no adjective that quite carries the notion of kind and good. The yoke of Christ is useful, good, and kindly. Cf. Song 1:10.


- Robertson's Word Pictures, Matthew 11:29

• Strange paradox! that a man already weary and overloaded must take a new weight upon him, in order to be eased and find rest!  But this advice is similar to that saying, Ps 55:22. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain thee; i.e. trust thy soul and concerns to him, and he will carry both thyself and thy load.


- Clarke, Adam, Adam Clarke's Commentary, Matthew 11:29

• This is a figure taken from the use of oxen; and hence signifying to labour for one, or in the service of any one. The yoke is used in the Bible as an emblem

 

(1.) of bondage or slavery, Le 26:13

(2.) Of afflictions or crosses, La 3:27.

(3.) Of the punishment of sin, La 1:14.

(4.) Of the commandments of God, as in this place.

(5.) Of legal ceremonies, Ac 15:10; Ga 5:1. It refers here to the religion of the Redeemer; and means that they should embrace his system of religion and obey him. All virtue and all religion imply restraint-- the restraint of our bad passions and inclinations--and subjection to laws; and the Saviour here means to say that the restraints and laws of his religion were mild, and gentle, and easy. Let any one compare them with the burdensome and expensive ceremonies of the Jews, Ac 15:10, or with the religious rites of the heathen everywhere, or with the requirements of the Popish system, and he will see how true it is that his yoke is easy. And let his laws and requirements be compared with the laws which sin imposes on its votaries--the laws of fashion, and honour, and sensuality--and he will feel that religion is "freedom," Joh 8:36. "He is a freeman whom the truth maketh free, and all are slaves beside." It is easier to be a Christian than a sinner; and of all the yokes ever imposed on men, that of the Redeemer is the lightest.
- Barnes, Albert, New Testament Commentary, Matthew 11:29

• Whoever therefore does not find rest of soul, is not meek and lowly. The fault is not in the yoke of Christ: but in thee, who hast not taken it upon thee.  Nor is it possible for any one to be discontented, but through want of meekness or lowliness.


- Wesley, John, Notes Upon the New Testament, Vol. 1, on Matthew 11:29

• He has first asked us to come, and made a gracious promise. He next shows us how to come. We are to come by taking his yoke upon us. Taking on the yoke is a symbol of submission. The two steps by which we come, and secure the promise of "rest unto our souls" are then (1) Submission to Christ, (2) Becoming his disciples.


- People's New Testament Commentary, Matthew 11:29

• “Take my yoke, and learn”: this is the second instruction; it brings with it a further rest which we “find.” The first rest he gives through his death; the second we find in copying his life. This is no correction of the former statement, but an addition thereto. First, we rest by faith in Jesus, and next we rest through obedience to him. Rest from fear is followed by rest from the turbulence of inward passion, and the drudgery of self. We are not only to bear a yoke, but his yoke; and we are not only to submit to it when it is laid upon us, but we are to take it upon us. We are to be workers, and take


his yoke; and at the same time we are to be scholars, and learn from him as our Teacher. We are to learn of Christ and also to learn Christ. He is both teacher and lesson. His gentleness of heart fits him to teach, to be the illustration of his own teaching, and to work in us his great design. If we can become as he is, we shall rest as he does. We shall not only rest from the guilt of sin — this he gives us; but we shall rest in the peace of holiness, which we find through obedience to him. It is the heart which makes or mars the rest of the man. Lord, make us “lowly in heart”, and we shall be restful of heart.  “Take my yoke.” The yoke in which we draw with Christ must needs be a happy one; and the burden which we carry for him is a blessed one. We rest in the fullest sense when we serve, if Jesus is the Master. We are unloaded by bearing his burden; we are rested by running on his errands.

“Come unto me”, is thus a divine prescription, curing our ills by the pardon of sin through our Lord’s sacrifice, and causing us the greatest peace by sanctifying us to his service.  Oh for grace to be always coming to Jesus, and to be constantly inviting others to do the same! Always free, yet always bearing his yoke; always having the rest once given, yet always finding more: this is the experience of those who come to Jesus always, and for everything. Blessed heritage;
and it is ours!
- Spurgeon, C.H., Spurgeon's Commentary on Matthew, Matthew 11:29

•  "Taking the yoke" is a symbolic expression. It means, "Submit to me and become my disciple," for the yoke is symbolic of the condition of servitude (Jer 27:11,12; Isa 9:4; Ac 15:10; Ga 5:1; 1Ti 6:1).


- Four-fold Gospel, Matthew 11:29

• Here note, That the phrase of  take the yoke is judaical; the Jewish doctors spake frequently of the yoke of the law; the yoke of the commandments:  and the ceremonies imposed upon the Jews are called a yoke, Ac 15:10.

Now as Moses had a yoke, so had Christ.

Accordingly, observe, 1. Christ's disciples must wear Christ's yoke. This yoke is twofold; a yoke of instruction; and a yoke of affliction; Christ's law is a yoke of instruction; it instructs; it restrains our natural inclinations, it curbs our sensual appetites; it is a yoke to corrupt nature; this yoke Christ calls his yoke, Take my yoke upon you:  1. Because he, as a Lord, lays it upon our necks.

2.  Because he, as a servant, bore it upon his own neck first, before he laid it upon ours.

Observe, 2. That the way and manner how to bear Christ's yoke must be learnt of Christ himself.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; that is, learn of me, both what to bear, and how to bear.

Observe, 3. That Christ's humility and lowly-mindedness, is a great encouragement to Christians to come unto him, and learn of him, both how to obey his commands, and how to suffer his will and pleasure. Learn of me, for I am meek.
- Burkitt, William, Notes on the New Testament, Matthew 11:29
 
 
 

Hymns
Bob VanWyk, Lectionary Hymn Reviewer
 
 

For in Thy Name, O Lord, I GO   A Charles Wesley hymn that relates to Matthew 11:29-30. Eternal Beams of Light Divine   A Charles Wesley hymn that relates to Matthew 11:28-30. There in God's Garden, Stands of a Tree of Wisdom   Translated from Hungarian by Eric Routly. It can be found in "Rejoice in the Lord" (Reformed Church in America), "With One Voice" (Lutheran), "Sing and Rejoice" (Mennonite) and, I presume, other places. Relates to Matthew 11:28. How Gentle God's Commands   Relates to Matthew 11:28. Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!   Relates to Psalm 145:10 Lord, I Want to Be a Christian   Relates to Matthew 11:29. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say   Relates to Matthew 11:28. Come Unto Me, Ye Weary   Relates to Matthew 11:28. Art Thou Weary, Art Thou Languid   Relates to Matthew 11:28. Jesus, Lover of My Soul   Relates to Matthew 11:28. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life   Relates to matthew 11:28-30. Your Faithfulness, O Lord, is Sure   A paraphrase of Psalm 145:13-21. In Presbyterian Hymnal. Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee   Relates to Psalm 145:10.  Just as I Am I am Coming to the Cross

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Sermons, Outlines, & Commentaries
Lanora Wright, Lectionary Topic Librarian

• Gospel Harmony:

• Event 066:  Accusation Against the Cities (Matthew 11:20-27);

• Event 067:  The Great Invitation (Matthew 11:28-30)

See also:  220.7 - Bible Commentaries; 251 - Homiletics;  252 - Sermon Texts
 

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Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67        34   And he said, I am Abraham's servant.      35   And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and      herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.      36   And Sarah my master's wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that      he hath.      37   And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the      Canaanites, in whose land I dwell:      38   But thou shalt go unto my father's house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son.      42   And I came this day unto the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my      way which I go:      43   Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw      water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink;      44   And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: let the same be the woman whom      the LORD hath appointed out for my master's son.      45   And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder;      and she went down unto the well, and drew water: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee.      46   And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels      drink also: so I drank, and she made the camels drink also.      47   And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, the daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son,      whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands.      48   And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham,      which had led me in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son.      49   And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the      right hand, or to the left.      58   And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.      59   And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men.      60   And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of      millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.      61   And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the      servant took Rebekah, and went his way.      62   And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country.      63   And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and,      behold, the camels were coming.      64   And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.      65   For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant      had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.      66   And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done.      67   And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he      loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death. Romans 7:15-25a        15   For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate,      that do I.      16   If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.      17   Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.      18   For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is      present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.      19   For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.      20   Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.      21   I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.      22   For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:      23   But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and      bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.      24   O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?      25   I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve      the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Psalm 72      1   Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.      2   He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.      3   The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.      4   He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and      shall break in pieces the oppressor.      5   They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all      generations.      6   He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the      earth.      7   In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the      moon endureth.      8   He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of      the earth.      9   They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick      the dust.      10   The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and      Seba shall offer gifts.      11   Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.      12   For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no      helper.      13   He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.      14   He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood      be in his sight.      15   And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall      be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.      16   There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the      fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of      the earth.      17   His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun:      and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.      18   Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.      19   And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with      his glory; Amen, and Amen.      20   The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.     Psalm 45:10-17      10   Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own      people, and thy father's house;      11   So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou      him.      12   And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the      people shall intreat thy favour.      13   The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.      14   She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her      companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.      15   With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's      palace.      16   Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all      the earth.      17   I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the      people praise thee for ever and ever. Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30      16   But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the      markets, and calling unto their fellows,      17   And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned      unto you, and ye have not lamented.      18   For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.      19   The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous,      and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her      children.      25   At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and      earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast      revealed them unto babes.      26   Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.      27   All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but      the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever      the Son will reveal him.      28   Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.      29   Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye      shall find rest unto your souls.      30   For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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