1. Take My Yoke Upon You Matthew 11:28-30

2. What Was the Yoke?  The yoke was an implement for sharing a work load (Lk. 14:19)  The yoke was a symbol of subjection or service (Deut. 28:48; 1 K. 12:4; Jer. 28:1ff,13; 1 Tim. 6:1)

3. The Yoke of Christ  There are paradoxes here…  How can a yoke bring rest?  How can a yoke be light and easy?

4. The Yoke of Christ ( sharing )  Christ shares the labor and burden of sin (Rom. 7:24; 1 Pet. 2:24)  Christ shares the labor and burden of life (1 Pet. 5:7)  Christ shares the labor and burden of trouble (Heb. 2:18; 4:15-16)

5. The Yoke of Christ ( service )  We serve together with Christ (Mt. 11:29; Jn. 13:15; Rom. 8:39; Eph. 4:20; Phil. 2:5- 9; 1 Pet. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:6)  We serve together with God (1 Cor. 3:9; Acts 15:4)  We serve together with the Holy Spirit (Rev. 22:17)  We serve together with one another (Phil. 4:3)

6. The Yoke of Christ  His yoke is universal (Mt. 11:28)  His yoke is meek (gentle) and lowly (Isa. 42:2ff; 53:1ff; Zech. 9:9; 2 Cor. 10:1)  His yoke gives rest (Jer. 6:16; Rom. 15:32)  His yoke is easy (good, kind) and light (Psa. 119:39; 1 Jn. 5:3; compare Mt. 23:4; Lk. 11:46)

7. The Yoke of Christ  Not under the yoke of the Old Law (Acts 15:10; Gal. 5:1)  Not unequally yoked to unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14)

8. The Yoke of Christ It Is Time to Come to Jesus  A personal approach – “Come unto me”  An exclusive approach – “Come unto me”  A universal approach – “Come … all”  A voluntary approach – “Take my yoke”  A submissive approach – “Learn of me” Willingly Whole-heartedly Cheerfully Lovingly