Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke. That is, submit to the discipline and training of My way of life. Originally an instrument of service designed to make cooperative effort possible, the “yoke” became, from ancient times, a sign of submission, especially to a conqueror. A victorious general mounted a yoke on two spears and made the defeated army march under it in token of submission. To “pass under the yoke” was a common expression designating submission and servitude (cf. Jer. 27:1-11, 17; Jer. 28:1-14).

The purpose of a yoke was not to make the burdens of draft animals heavier, but lighter; not harder, but easier to bear. Thus the true meaning of the word “yoke” becomes clear. By “my yoke” Christ meant His way of life. The “yoke” of Christ is none other than the divine will as summed up in the law of God and magnified in the Sermon on the Mount (see Isa. 42:21; DA 329; see on Matt. 5:17-22). The figure Christ here uses was not unfamiliar to His hearers, for the rabbis also referred to the Torah (see on Deut. 31:9) as a “yoke,” not in the sense of its being a burden, but rather a discipline, a way of life to which men were to submit (Mishnah Aboth 3.5, Soncino ed. of the Talmud, pp. 29, 30; Berakoth 2.2, Soncino ed. of the Talmud, p. 75).

Meek. Gr. pram, “gentle,” or “mild.” Tame animals were said to be pram; they were submissive and harmless. One who is “meek” intends nothing but good toward others (see on ch. 5:5).

Lowly. Or, “humble.” A person humble in his own estimation assigns himself a low position in comparison with others; he esteems others better than himself. Being “gentle” and “humble,” Christ is a sympathetic teacher, and those who learn of Him will also be “gentle” and “humble.” So-called Christians who have not learned to be “gentle” and “humble” have not learned in the school of Christ (see Phil. 2:2-8).

Find rest. See on v. 28. Those who find the rest of which Jesus speaks will walk in “the old paths” and conform their lives to “the good way” of God’s own choosing (see Jer. 6:16).

Souls. Gr. psuchai, sing, psuche (see on ch. 10:28).