Mat 11:29 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Matt 11:29-30: 11:29-30 A yoke , which forms a harness between two animals, is a metaphor for the demands of discipleship. In contrast to the “yoke” of the religious leaders, Jesus’ yoke is easy and light , not because it is less demanding (see 7:13-14 ), but because the power of the Messiah (by the Holy Spirit) makes it possible (see Acts 15:10 ; 1 Jn 5:3 ). The religious demands of Israel’s spiritual leaders (Matt 23:4 ; Acts 15:10 ) included 613 Old Testament commands and their expansion through tradition. Jesus urged those who were suffering from the burdens of the Pharisees’ stipulations to come to him (Matt 11:28 ) in order to find the salvation their hearts desired. It is a call to salvation involving a life of obedience to Jesus’ new teachings. People are invited to enter a relationship with a humble and gentle teacher.

a11:29-30►

b7:13-14►

cActs 15:10►

d1 Jn 5:3►

eMatt 23:4►

fActs 15:10►

gMatt 11:28►

‏ Matthew 11:29

Summary for Matt 11:29-30: 11:29-30 ^a A yoke, which forms a harness between two animals, is a metaphor for the demands of discipleship. In contrast to the “yoke” of the religious leaders, Jesus’ yoke is easy and light, not because it is less demanding (see 7:13-14 ^b), but because the power of the Messiah (by the Holy Spirit) makes it possible (see Acts 15:10 ^c; 1 Jn 5:3 ^d). The religious demands of Israel’s spiritual leaders (Matt 23:4 ^e; Acts 15:10 ^f) included 613 Old Testament commands and their expansion through tradition. Jesus urged those who were suffering from the burdens of the Pharisees’ stipulations to come to him (Matt 11:28 ^g) in order to find the salvation their hearts desired. It is a call to salvation involving a life of obedience to Jesus’ new teachings. People are invited to enter a relationship with a humble and gentle teacher.