In doing research on the historical context of this passage of scripture I found that "different rabbis had different sets of rules, which were really different lists of what they forbade and what they permitted. A rabbi's set of rules and lists, which was really that rabbi's interpretation of how to live the Torah, was called that rabbi's yoke. When you followed a certain rabbi, you were following him because you believed that rabbi's set of interpretations were the closest to what God intended throught the Scriptures. And when you followed that rabbi, you were taking up that rabbi's yoke."
"The intent then of a rabbi having a yoke wasn't just to interpret the words correctly; it was to live them out."
In light of this context, what a beautiful picture for all those that seek Truth. Are you weary and worn, trying to live up to a standard that is placed on you by mans interpretation of the Law? Does your walk of faith seem to be so burdensome that you don't know how you will make it another day? Jesus is saying to those who are weary and burdened, "Come unto me and I will give you rest." He is beckoning us to take upon His yoke of learning for He is gentle and humble in heart. He is saying, 'come to me and learn of me' and in that 'you will find rest for your souls'.
Jesus' intention was not for our walk with Him to be burdensome and heavy. His ways of living out the Word are to bring life, rest and peace to our souls.How often have we bogged ourselves down with an unnecessary, overbearing list of rules? Jesus said, "I have not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it." He was essentially saying, "I didn't come to do away with the words of God; I came to show people what it looks like when the Word is lived out perfectly, right down to the smallest punctuation marks." He is our perfect example of the Word of God lived out. For He is the Word.
Learn of Him and have rest for your souls today! Think about it!
