Is It Time to Exchange Your Burden?

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29 ESV).

When I was a young boy, I had the opportunity of working on a farm one summer. I quickly learned that the sun’s rising and setting was the farmer’s clock. 

Rising before dawn, I found my way to the barn where one of my jobs was to “muck the stalls” (shovel the manure into a wheelbarrow) and make certain the stalls were clean—ready for the milking of the cows). 

Once I had milked the cows, I returned to the house for a hot breakfast. I learned that my work was not over—it had just begun. I would need that breakfast to fuel me for the next job: moving the irrigation lines in the fields. Then it was time for lunch and more work on the farm—various never-ending daily chores. 

It was hard, but enjoyable work. By the time the sun was setting, it was time for supper. My body was sore, and I could hardly keep my eyes open. I was ready for bed, and a good night’s sleep was essential for me to be ready in the morning.

However, physical exertion isn’t the only thing that encourages weariness or requires rest. Beyond the natural stresses of life, the ongoing search for truth can be extremely taxing.

When Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary,” His invitation comes when the people of Galilee and the nation’s religious leaders have rejected Him. It was also a time when religious requirements were a heavy burden. When speaking of the Scribes and Pharisees, Jesus said: 

“They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger” (Matthew 23:4).

Jesus’ invitation also came at a time when citizens were tired. Life was hard, the political pressures imposed were heavy, and the weight of “life” was crushing. The Lord’s declaration that the weary search for God ends with Him is a welcomed promise for the people.  

The great Irish poet W.B. Yeats wrote, “Can one reach God by toil? He gives himself to the pure in heart. He asks nothing but our attention.” 

“Come to me…” is an invitation. If accepted, Christ’s request assures us that we are free of the heavy load of an ongoing search for God because we see what God is like in Christ.

“…all who labor and are heavily laden…” reveal to whom Christ offers His invitation: those tired of carrying heavy loads. 

 “…take my yoke upon you, and learn from me…” symbolizes submission and a desire to surrender to Christ’s leadership and observe how He leads.   

 “…for my yoke is easy, and my burden light…” Christ’s yoke will not cause us to chafe. It is easy to wear. The load Jesus gives us to carry is light—bearable, manageable, and does not crush us.

I love the way Eugene Peterson interprets Jesus’ invitation:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”^⁠1 

Do you find yourself in need of rest and renewal? Is your load too heavy for you to carry? Are you carrying the weight of others? Is it time to exchange your burden and take on the “yoke” of Christ?   

¹ Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), Mt 11:28–30.