Note 2 at Mt. 11:29: Yokes were made of wood with two hollowed out sections on the bottom portion that rested on the necks of oxen that were used to plow or to draw a cart. Figuratively, a yoke symbolized servitude or submission. Jesus is admonishing us to submit ourselves to Him, for true rest comes from serving Him--not ourselves (Mt. 10:38-39; 16:24-25; Mk. 8:34-37; Lk. 9:23-25).

A new ox was often trained for plowing or drawing a cart by yoking him with an experienced ox. The yoke kept the young ox from "doing his own thing" and he soon learned obedience to his master. In like manner, we are to commit ourselves to being yoked to Jesus. "It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer. 10:23). Therefore, we have to "bear the yoke in our youth" (Lam. 3:27) if we want to become mature Christians. The comparison ends at this point, though. Unlike the sometimes harsh treatment oxen are given to bring them into subjection, Jesus is "meek and lowly in heart" and wins us by love (1 Jn. 4:11,19). Jesus pulls more than His "share" of the load; therefore, our burden is light (v. 30).