Matthew: Healing in His PresenceSample

Weary and Burdened

When you or a loved one is struggling with pain, a disease or an illness, it’s a huge burden we carry with us daily. That burden can take the form of anxiety, stress, depression, worry, and fear of the future.

Jesus gives us a great illustration of how He’s willing to walk with us side-by-side to carry our burdens with us..

Have you ever seen a pair of oxen wearing a yoke? If you haven't, please search "oxen yoke" on the internet. You'll see two oxen with a large wooden beam that connects the two of them. The yoke has two large U-shaped holes that the oxen put their heads into. With heads inserted and the yoke on their backs, it forces them to be connected to work together to pull a heavy load.

But this illustration has a deeper layer. Of the two oxen, there's usually an "alpha" or stronger one of the two. That one can determine the direction that the pair walk because it is stronger. Jesus is saying that when we are worried and burdened, we should pair up with Him. He's like that "alpha" ox or the strong one that can hold the bulk of the weight.

Jesus is offering to give rest to those who are weary and burdened. He wants you to cast your yoke of burdens on him. He'll carry the majority of the weight and direct which way you should go. Plus, you'll have comfort knowing that he's right beside you. He says his yoke is easy and his burden is light. Don't we all want that?

Questions:

1. What burdens are you carrying right now that you’ve been trying to manage on your own instead of yoking yourself to Jesus?

2. How might your daily walk look different if you truly allowed Jesus to guide the direction and pace of your steps?

3. When you think about Jesus carrying most of the weight for you, what feelings or thoughts rise up—relief, doubt, peace, resistance? Why?