Podcasts about Yoke

MESSAGE | Dr. Brian Payne (Pastor) "For Freedom Christ Sets Us Free" Galatians 5:1-6 1 | Freedom from the Yoke of Slavery (v. 1-4) Jesus Set Us Free From 3 Slaveholders: Jesus set us free from sin/guilt. Jesus set us free from death.  Jesus set us free from the tyranny of the devil 2 | Freedom For Faith Fueled Hope and Love (v. 5-6)

Tired of carrying it all alone? Jesus invites you to share the weight, “Take My yoke upon you.” It is lighter than you think, and it leads straight to rest.

This week, we spend a lot of time discussing the spiritual lessons to be learned from Traitors. Also, we talk about heavily paraphrased Bible verses and Joe has had a near-death experience in the toilet. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog The Mid-faith Crisis Church Weekend Away 2026 - one place left! Mentioned in this episode: Daniel Swift | The Dream Factory Patrick Grant | Less “Are We the Baddies?” — That Mitchell and Webb Look BBC One - Hamza's Hidden Wild Isles BBC One - The Celebrity Traitors

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Study on Galatians chapter 5 with Pastor Nathan

Isaiah's prophecy speaks across the ages—a word as relevant to us today as it was to Judah in his day. The prophet looked upon a nation full of injustice, corruption, and pride, where widows and the poor were oppressed and leaders had turned from God's ways. Yet even in judgment, the mercy of God was shining through. His hand was “stretched out still” (Isa. 10:4–5).That truth reminds us of something essential: God's correction is not His rejection. When His people drift, He disciplines them not to destroy, but to draw them back. Hebrews 12 tells us His chastening proves His love. If you belong to Him, you cannot get away with the things you used to do—His Spirit will convict you and call you home.Isaiah also saw the sovereignty of God at work through the chaos of history. God used Assyria—an ungodly, brutal nation—as the rod of His anger to awaken His people. Even pagan rulers are instruments in His hand. Yet when Assyria grew proud, boasting in its power, God reminded them they were only an axe in the hands of the Master. The tool has no right to boast over the one who wields it.That's a lesson for every servant of God. We are instruments, not architects. Whatever fruit comes from our lives is because His hand is upon us. Apart from Him we can do nothing. But in His hand, the weakest vessel becomes mighty.Then comes the promise that has echoed through centuries: “The yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.” (Isa. 10:27). What beautiful hope! The same Spirit that rested upon Christ now dwells within every believer. It is the anointing—the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit—that breaks the bondage of sin, fear, and oppression. Jesus stood in the synagogue, unrolled the scroll of Isaiah, and declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me…” (Luke 4:18). That anointing still sets captives free today.No power of Assyria, no force of darkness, no habit or history can stand against the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He breaks every chain, restores every heart, and calls His people to stand as witnesses in a fallen world.Finally, Isaiah lifts our eyes to the future: “A rod shall come forth from the stem of Jesse.” (Isa. 11:1). Out of the stump of judgment, life will spring forth—the Messiah, Jesus Christ, our righteous Branch. He will reign with justice and fill the earth with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.So take courage, believer. God still rules. His hand is stretched out still. Whatever yoke has burdened you—fear, addiction, weariness—He is able to break it. Draw near to Him, for the Spirit of the Lord still anoints His people to shine as light in the darkness until the day our King reigns over all the earth.Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com

The Briefing's Nick Pitts talks about Vice President JD Vance's recent statement about hoping his wife receives Jesus a savior, setting off a small firestorm.  But underneath this is the problem of dating or being married to someone who doesn't have the same faith and goals in life.  He also talks about how more companies are turning to training their own people outside of them getting college degrees.  Luke Moon of the Philos Project and Generation Zion talks about video defending Christian Zionism of his being banned by TikTok.  He also talks about segments within the new political right are getting increasingly antisemitic.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Guest preacher Nichola Torbett shares reflections from the letter to the church in Sardis, reminding us that where we focus our attention dictates what we move toward. How might we be called to adjust our gaze - away from the enactors of imperial violence and toward those who are being crucified by it?-----Nichola Torbett (they/she) is a white, queer, raised-working-class organizer, survivor, recovering addict, direct action trainer, teacher, abolitionist, and preacher in the radical Christian tradition. Politicized predominantly by Black- and Brown-led movement struggles of Oakland, California, they are a student of transformative justice, disability justice, and ancestral lineage healing (specializing in working with Euro-descended folks with ancestors who committed harm). Driven by her passion for both spiritual formation and social change, she co-founded Seminary of the Street, a training academy for love warriors, in 2009; Second Acts, a liturgical direct action affinity group, in 2014; and the Alternatives to Policing Project, organizing faith communities into abolitionist visions of community safety, in 2018. She is co-editor with Vahisha Hasan of Resipiscence: a Lenten Devotional for Dismantling White Supremacy and was, for many years, a regular contributor to The Word Is Resistance, a podcast from SURJ-Faith and SURJ-Action. She has contributed to GEEZ Magazine, Liturgy That Matters from enfleshed, The Yoke, and the recent book Building Up a New World. They currently serve as associate director of Kirkridge Retreat & Study Center.

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We are called to move forward by faith, not fear. God has already given us the land—His promises and His rest—and invites us to enter in through trust, surrender, and submission of our will. Fear is the spirit that opposes love, but perfect love casts it out.Key Scriptures (mentioned or read)Deuteronomy 1 Proverbs 29:25 Ezekiel 28 Isaiah 6 1 John 4:18 2 Timothy 1:7 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 Ephesians 6:12 Romans 7 Matthew 6:24 Philippians 2:12–13 Hebrews 12 Revelation 3:20 Zechariah 4:10ThemesFaith Over Fear — God calls us to advance into His promises despite giants and obstacles. Fear paralyzes; faith acts on divine certainty.The Will of God — From creation there was one will; rebellion created two. Our rest comes when our will aligns with His.The Origin of Fear — Fear is not from God; it's a demonic spirit that seeks to snare believers and oppose divine love.Perfect Love Casts Out Fear — Experiencing God's completed love removes torment and brings rest to the soul.The Two Masters — We cannot serve both love and fear, light and darkness. Submission of the will brings freedom.Rest in Christ — Just as Israel entered the Promised Land, we enter rest by accepting our death and resurrection with Christ.The Yoke of Love — The neck represents the will; taking Christ's yoke keeps us close and teaches us gentle submission.Spiritual Warfare — Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against fear-based lies that oppose truth.Growth Through Grace — Chastisement and correction are acts of love; God lovingly trains us toward maturity.Dependence and Worship — Trust is worship. To rest in Him is faith in action—just as sitting without tension is an act of trust.What We LearnedGod's promises are sure; fear blinds us from entering into them.Fear's root is pride—self-reliance instead of God-dependence.Love's root is humility—resting in what Christ has already finished.Our growth experience depends on submission of the will, not striving.God never violates our will but waits to be gracious when we call for help.Each trial is designed to replace fear with faith and self-effort with rest.Entering God's rest requires embracing our death with Christ, not just His death for us.The Spirit reveals truth gently, leading us into light and casting out darkness.Reflection QuestionWhere have we allowed fear to dictate our steps, and how can we let love lead us forward into God's promises?

This episode exposes the spirit of religion that keeps people trapped in performance, guilt, and shame, and shows how it steals joy and magnifies trauma. Through powerful teaching on true worship, surrender, and the presence of God, you'll learn practical steps to break the yoke, find healing, and reclaim peace and joy right now. Check out more resources on my website, www.drdelisarodgers.com

Worship - October 19, 2025“The Danger at the Door: Take my yoke and learn from me” Matthew 11:25-30Pastor Don Meeks and Associate Pastor Eric Beckman

Check out Pastor Rick Reiter and his courses: https://www.comecloseministries.org/Join the community learning how to listen to God: https://www.skool.com/receive-academyChapters:00:11 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:42 Understanding Conviction and God's Voice02:50 Differentiating Between God's Voice and the Enemy's Voice06:02 Practical Steps to Discern God's Voice12:00 Biblical Freedom and Sin21:44 The Root of Sin and Addiction27:41 Accountability and Grace28:24 The Bondage of Pornography & Addressing Rejection31:20 Conviction as a Positive Sign33:19 Humility and Habitual Sin38:33 Submitting to God vs. Resisting the Devil44:45 Living in Relationship with God50:07 The Yoke of Jesus52:43 Final Thoughts and Resources

On the podcast this week, Dr Selina Stone is interviewed about her new book, A Heavy Yoke: Theology, power and abuse in the Church, by Dr Lisa Adjei, the C of E's Head of Racial Justice Priority. It was recorded at the book's launch last month at Bridewell Hall in London. In A Heavy Yoke, Dr Stone lifts the lid on the ways in which Christian theology can, often unwittingly, uphold existing power structures to the detriment of the flourishing of the whole Church. It calls for a more rigorous and critical understanding of Christian theology and how it is shaping Christian leaders, churches, and organisations. Reviewing the book in this week's Church Times, Lyle Dennen describes it as “well written, challenging, and disturbing. . . Stone's powerful contention is that it is not just some bad apples on a good tree: there are narratives, twisted theologies, and cultures that significantly enable abusers to control others and justify terrible behaviour.” Read the Church Times review of the book here: https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2025/10-october/books-arts/book-reviews/book-review-a-heavy-yoke-theology-power-and-abuse-in-the-church-by-selina-stone Read Dr Stone's recent Analysis piece, “Theology can be spiritually abusive”, here: https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2025/12-september/comment/analysis/analysis-theology-can-be-spiritually-abusive Photo credit: Tom Perkins New to us? Or know someone who is? Receive 10 weeks of full access to the Church Times – plus subscriber-only benefits – all for just £5* this October. Select the trial offer and add the code Archbishop106 at checkout. Visit www.churchtimes.co.uk/subscribe *first-time subscribers only. UK only.

Tune in to today's Communial Sermon: Two Tenets of the Anointing: Understanding God's power and the Power in your life Speaker: Elder Oteng Notes: Isaiah 10:27- Grow fat in the spirit Anointing oil is something used to set apart from the normal people and the people used in the work of god. The two types of anointing which is personal anointing (God only) and corporate anointing (communities like churches). 1 Samuel 10:5-6- Everyone should at least have some anointing related to God. (For example, the anointing to worship) When anointing is stolen, it can lead to failure and embarrassment, as not being able to do what the anointing wanted them to do. You have to earn the anointing or ask God for it. The Yoke is a piece put on animals, put on them for control of the animal. The "Fat" Ox can break the yolk because they have the anointing. The Yoke can be broken. Isaiah 61:3 The Requirements for Joyful Anointing- Love Righteousness, Hate Sin, and Moral Alignment   Track Number:8

What did the yoke represent?

Robert Breaker preached at the Bible Believer's Camp Meeting in Sweetwater, Tennessee on September 2-4th, of 2025.

Episode 593: “Jesus, Take the Yoke” Welcome back to The Baller Lifestyle Podcast with Brian Beckner and Ed Daly. In this episode, the guys cover the week's weirdest headlines, sports scandals, celebrity drama, and plenty of listener interaction. From small-plane tragedies to stone-skipping controversies, no topic is off-limits. Highlights from This Episode:

Matthew 11:28–30 with Joshua LewisLife can feel unbearably heavy—burdens, fears, relationships, striving. But Jesus invites us to take His yoke, a way of life that brings true freedom and rest. His yoke is lighter than every other attachment, and He carries the weight we cannot bear. In Him, and in His people, we discover the beauty of belonging and the gift of unity.

With Pastor Ron HammondsVisit cotr.com for more resources and sermons from GTCOTR.

Pastor Steven Henry, Sunday Morning | Text: Psalm 73

Take His Yoke (2025-9-2025) Live Saturday Evening Service with Pastor Scotty Williams

Take His Yoke (2025-9-2025) Live Saturday Evening Service with Pastor Scotty Williams

Take His Yoke (2025-9-2025) Live Saturday Evening Service with Pastor Scotty Williams

Take His Yoke (2025-9-2025) Live Saturday Evening Service with Pastor Scotty Williams

09/16/2025: Receiving His yoke and being under His burden: Don Pritchard

“I really appreciate FEBC because through it the Gospel can be heard by all people,” an amazing comment from a listener from Indonesia. In this episode we're going to get a report on the expanded footprint of FEBC reaching the largest Muslim country in the world through radio and social media. Ed had an opportunity to sit down with FEBC Indonesia's CEO, Yoke Probatti. In this conversation Yoke shares the creative ways his team has overcome obstacles and fearlessly proclaimed the Gospel to Muslim areas. Our hope is you will be stirred to pray for the Lord's protection and power as broadcasters teach and care for the needs of their people…Until All Have Heard. 

In this episode of Root Issues, we explore, togheter with special guest Pastor Derek, Jesus' famous words from Matthew 11 about taking his yoke and finding his burden light. We discuss how it applies to our modern lives filled with stress, expectations, and spiritual exhaustion. The conversation covers the difference between the heavy burdens of religious legalism and the restful discipline of following Christ, offering practical insights for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's demands.

'Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'; this teaching expounds this Scripture and how it interplays with the enormity of the grace of God. For inquires & bookings: Phone: +234 708 881 8864 Email: info@thebasileiacommisssion.org Twitter | Instagram: @WAHthehurch Facebook: @TheBasileiaCommission | @WAHthechurch

Worship Leader Taylor Cummings encourages trusting Jesus' pace one step at a time, taking His yoke and releasing pressure to control the future because God's plans are good.

'Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'; this teaching expounds this Scripture and how it interplays with the enormity of the grace of God. For inquires & bookings: Phone: +234 708 881 8864 Email: info@thebasileiacommisssion.org Twitter | Instagram: @WAHthehurch Facebook: @TheBasileiaCommission | @WAHthechurch

Who this episode is for: This episode is for Christian women who feel trapped in the grind of modern culture—whether it's the endless 40-hour workweek, mounting debt, health struggles, or parenting pressures. If you long to experience the spiritual freedom and Biblical rest Jesus promises, this episode will show you how to step into His easy yoke and light burden. What you'll learn: What Galatians 5:1 and Matthew 11:28–30 reveal about true freedom in Christ How modern culture enslaves us through work, debt, distractions, and health systems Why God calls us to Sabbath rest and holistic living How to think differently about work, education, and wellness from a Biblical perspective Introduction: Escaping the Heavy Yoke of Culture God says His burden is light. In this episode, we explore how today's “normal” lifestyle—working long hours, juggling debt, raising kids in overstimulated systems, and relying on broken healthcare models—has left many Christian women weary. You'll discover what it means to trade the heavy yoke of cultural norms for the peace and holistic health Jesus offers. Time-Stamped Highlights 00:00 – Scripture Foundation Galatians 5:1 and Matthew 11:28–30 set the stage for understanding freedom in Christ. 01:01 – What Is a Yoke? Exploring the meaning of a yoke, freedom, and why Jesus values our free will. 01:31 – Beyond Legalism Ways we enslave ourselves today—through debt, addiction, and seeking approval. 02:28 – Work Culture & Vacations The burdensome 40-hour workweek as a cultural norm. 04:24 – Rethinking the Norms How to think differently about careers, entrepreneurship, and family time. 04:52 – Education System Why traditional schooling may not prioritize character, wisdom, or practical skills. 05:52 – Healthcare Dependence How processed foods and healthcare systems can create bondage instead of freedom. 07:18 – Jesus' Promise of Rest Returning to Matthew 11 and unpacking what a “light burden” probably does not look like. 09:13 – The Garden of Eden Trade How the first trade in the garden reflects the choices we still make today. 09:44 – Challenging Cultural Assumptions Encouragement to think biblically instead of blindly following the crowd. 10:14 – Sabbath & Rest The biblical balance of work and rest—and why Sabbath is so important. Bible Verses About Freedom in Christ Galatians 5:1 — “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Matthew 11:28–30 — “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…” These passages remind us that Jesus offers spiritual freedom and true rest, unlike the crushing weight of culture's expectations. What Is a Yoke in the Bible? Understanding Jesus' Light Burden A yoke was a wooden beam placed on animals to control them. Spiritually, it represents burden and control. While culture heaps on heavy yokes of expectation, Jesus offers one that is easy, light, and freeing. Debt, Addictions, and Distractions: Modern Forms of Slavery Debt — “The borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs). Debt keeps us tied to jobs we dislike. Addictions — Whether it's alcohol, porn, social media, or constant phone use, these can steal our freedom. Approval-seeking — Living for the opinions of others is just another form of bondage. The 40-Hour Workweek vs. Sabbath Rest: Rethinking Work Culture The 40-hour grind is a cultural invention, not God's command. Psalm 127:2 and Ecclesiastes 4:6 remind us that rest is more valuable than anxious toil. Sabbath rest is God's design—restoration, family time, and worship. Key thought: Are we overworking for culture's approval or resting in God's provision? Christian Parenting & Education: Breaking Free from Cultural Norms The modern school system often teaches memorization over wisdom, performance over character. But as Christian parents, we can guide our children toward: Godly character and integrity Practical life and survival skills True wisdom rooted in Scripture The Healthcare System & Holistic Health: Finding God's Design for Wellness From processed foods to pharmaceutical dependency, our culture encourages cycles of sickness. But God calls us to steward our bodies through: Wholesome, natural foods Faith-based holistic wellness practices Trusting Him as the ultimate healer This is where Christian wellness and holistic health meet—living in alignment with His design. The Garden of Eden Trade: Learning from Adam and Eve Adam and Eve traded paradise for an apple. Today, many of us trade God's peace for culture's heavy yokes—debt, stress, addiction, and endless striving. Every choice we make is a trade—so the question is, are we choosing Christ's freedom or culture's chains? Key Takeaways: Living in True Freedom with Christ Jesus' yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Debt, addictions, and overwork are forms of slavery. Sabbath rest is one of the Ten Commandments for a reason. Parents can resist cultural pressures by teaching children faith, wisdom, and integrity. Holistic health aligns our bodies and spirits with God's design. Call to Action: Faith-Based Steps to Reclaim Your Health & Peace

Mens Discipleship Class

The Lamentations of Jeremiah is not a book we “enjoy” reading.  But do we only read those things that give a positive message and we find encouraging?  Actually there are some gems hidden among this prophet's words of despair and distress.  The first 2 chapters are about how God's anger with Jerusalem finally overflows into action; his mercy toward the people of His Holy City finally comes to an end, his judgments are poured out.  Is our world today going to be a parallel to this?  His word is available in all languages – yet is largely ignored – or scoffed at?The emphasis in just about everything the churches say is that we serve a God of love, that this is the total focus of God's character. There is little or no thought that his anger could be poured out today on an increasingly godless world.  But twice it happened to God's holy city – Jerusalem; they were terrifying times.In today's chapter 3, Jeremiah suddenly expresses his own feelings, his own experience of overwhelming personal despair, “though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer” (v.8)  That reminds us of the final words of Jesus on the cross, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”Yet in his Lamentations, as with David's Psalms, what begins with despairing thoughts, gets replaced by more positive ones. See how Jeremiah lifts his mind to a higher plain, “but this I call to mind and therefore I have hope” (v.21).  Then come the words that have been made into a much loved hymn about the mercies of God “they are new every morning: great is your faithfulness” (v.23)  Next he writes, The LORD is good to those who wait for him … who seek him” (v.25)  Will the Lord have reason to be good to you?In conclusion, take special note of v. 27 … it is good for us to bear the yoke in our youth!   Bearing the yoke?  If when we are young our lives are easy, there are no problems, no challenges, nothing to make us anxious; it will be hard to develop a good character; worse still, we will have little inclination toward being yoked to Jesus Christ and to carry his cross (meditate on John 15 v.18-19). It may be the lot of those who are truly yoked to Christ to follow in the footsteps of Jeremiah to some degree.

Have you ever been to that place where the burden seems to heavy? It just seems like everything is crashing down around you? You wonder how you can go another mile? Or even another step? The message in this episode will aid you in times - just like these! In this episode, you will find a great reminder of a wonderful truth taught to us by Christ Himself. If you ever get a hold of this wonderful principle, it will change your life!

Yoke!

"Take My Yoke" preached by Pastor William Moore at the First Jesus Name Church of Benndale on the Sunday night of 8-3-2025. For more information about our church or this message please email us at fjncbenndale@icloud.com. Have a wonderful and blessed day.

Bible Study: Exodus 3:13-20 What is the importance of the name of God? The answer is surprising. Matthew 11:28-30 Was this a funny sang? Break 1 Letters: Can the devil tempt us through our dreams? How do you reconcile the new and the old Mass? If you donate your body to science can you still have a funeral Mass? Father answers these and other questions, send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com Break 2 Word of the Day Burden Phones: Aaron - What is the reason behind we don’t do the Latin Mass anymore? Very respectfully and genuinely asking. Once I heard it was for uniformity, and keeping the same language, but it seems know with Mass being said in different languages, there is no uniformity. I am confused and would like some clarity. Glen Marie - Conference in New Jersey on Exorcism, does the blessing they gave us also apply to the articles online? Jarod - Council of Jerusalem, abstain from unlawful marriage, and abstain from blood. Do Christians still need to abstain blood and blood sausages?

Read Online“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:29–30For those first followers of Jesus, a “yoke” was a familiar term. Many would have worked with oxen and other animals on a regular basis to plow their fields. To do so, they would place a wooden yoke over the oxen, which was a form of harness that was also attached to the plow, making it easier for the oxen to till the soil. To be strapped with a yoke was an indication of servitude, since that was the role of the oxen.In commenting upon this passage, Saint Augustine (in Sermon 126) analogized the yoke of Christ with the wings of a bird. A bird's wings are large in comparison to its body. As a result, if someone were to conclude that removing the wings from a bird would make its life easier by ridding it of that excess weight, such an action would have the effect of keeping it bound to the earth. But give its wings back and that “yoke” will enable it to soar through the skies.So it is with the yoke of our Lord. If we accept the invitation to be a servant of God and we take upon ourselves the yoke of Christ for the fulfillment of our mission of service, we will discover that the act of serving lightens us, refreshes us, invigorates us and energizes us. Service of God is what we are made for, just as a bird is made to have wings. And like the bird, if we remove the yoke of service of God from our lives, then we are weighed down and cannot accomplish the good we are meant to do.We are also told in this passage that we are not to carry our yoke; rather, we are meant to carry Christ's yoke. “Take my yoke upon you…,” Jesus said. Carrying Jesus' yoke means we are called to live our lives with Him and in Him. He came to serve and to give His life for others. It is our duty to do the same by allowing Him to do so within us. It is Christ and His servitude that must be the motivation and foundation of our lives. Reflect, today, upon your call to be a servant in Christ. How is God calling you to serve? Whom is God calling you to serve? And as you answer that question, how do you see your act of service? Does service seem burdensome to you? Or do you understand that it is what you are made for? If you do see humble service as a burden, then perhaps that is because you have not actually tried to serve with and in Christ Himself. Try to ponder Jesus placing His yoke upon your shoulders. Say “Yes” to that act and to the mission of humble service you are called to fulfill. Doing so wholeheartedly will not only refresh you, it will also give meaning and purpose to your life. My gentle Lord, You came to us to serve and to give Your life out of love. Give me the grace I need to accept Your act of service to me and to also imitate and participate in the service to which I am called. May I take Your yoke upon me, dear Lord, so that I can fulfill the mission that You have entrusted to me. Jesus, I trust in You.Shoulder My Yoke by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

When we choose to trust God, the weight of our problems shifts onto His shoulders.

Greg reflects on the destruction from the Malibu fire, then he answers questions about the sense in which Jesus' yoke is easy and his burden light, how to respond to someone who uses Romans 7 to defend his homosexuality, and how to let God lead when making big decisions.   Topics: Commentary: Greg reflects on the destruction from the Malibu fires. (00:00) In what sense is Jesus' yoke easy and his burden light? (11:00) What do you think of someone who uses Romans 7 to defend living a homosexual lifestyle? (31:00) How do I let God lead my life when making big decisions? (45:00) Mentioned on the Show:  When God Speaks by Greg Koukl The Ambassador's Guide to the Voice of God by Greg Koukl Related Links: Be Willing to Submit to Our Good God on the Issue of Homosexuality by Amy Hall Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 by Greg Koukl #STRask: How Should I Pray About Big Decisions If I Can't Expect a Confirmation from God?