Jesus was the oldest son and would have worked next to Joseph as a carpenter. The region of Nazareth was used for farming, and it is natural to assume that making yokes for the plows was a big part of the woodworking Joseph was asked to do. Jesus was very familiar with the function of a yoke.
Many yokes were for one animal, but the most efficient way to prepare a field for farming was to use two oxen with a double yoke, which is likely the yoke Jesus was referring to in Matthew 11:29–30. Double yokes were usually placed over an older, experienced animal on one side and a stronger, younger ox on the other. The experienced animal knew where to go; the younger animal went along and helped accomplish the work.
Jesus said, “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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Our personal evangelism is easy when Jesus walks beside us, guiding our words. Some think of evangelism as “hard work,” but if we do that work with Christ then the work is made easy and the burden is light.
If sharing your faith feels like a burden, will you pray for the wisdom to accept the yoke of Christ for the task? Ministry can be time-consuming and a challenge, but it doesn’t have to feel like a burden. Jesus said, “Come to me . . . and I will give you rest.”
Personal evangelism doesn’t have to be hard unless we approach the task without first putting on the yoke of Christ. He effectively said, “Attach your life to mine. I know what to do and will help carry the load.”
Wisdom is joyfully sharing Christ with others. Wisdom is taking the time to pray and receive Christ’s yoke before sharing your faith with others. Jesus knows what a person needs to hear and when and how they need to hear it. Do personal evangelism while beneath the yoke of Christ. You will find rest for your soul when Jesus is walking beside you.
