This chapter is based on Matthew 11:28-30.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The Savior left none to feel shut out from His care and love. He looked on the distressed and heart-burdened, those whose hopes were crushed and who were trying to satisfy the longing of the soul with earthly joys, and He invited all to find rest in Him. HH 148.1
Tenderly He told the toiling people, “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.” HH 148.2
In these words, Christ is speaking to every human being. Whether they know it or not, all are weighed down with burdens that only Christ can remove. The heaviest burden is the burden of sin. If we were left to bear this, it would crush us. But the Sinless One has taken our place. “The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6. He has carried the burden of our guilt. The burden of care and sorrow He will also bear. HH 148.3
The Elder Brother of the human race is by the eternal throne. He knows by experience the weaknesses of humanity, our wants, and the strength of our temptations, for He was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. Are you tempted? He will deliver. Are you weak? He will strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will enlighten. Are you wounded? He will heal. “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3. HH 148.4
Whatever your anxieties and trials, present your case before the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance. He will open the way for you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest you will find in placing them on the Burden Bearer. HH 148.5
The rest that Christ offers depends on conditions, but the Bible plainly tells us what they are. Anyone can fulfill them. HH 148.6
“Take My yoke upon you.” The yoke is an instrument of service. Cattle are yoked for labor, and the yoke is essential for them to work effectively. By this illustration, Jesus teaches that we are called to service. We are to take His yoke upon us. HH 148.7
The yoke is the law of God, in the new covenant written in the heart. It binds the human worker to the will of God. If we were left to go just where our will would lead us, we would fall into Satan’s ranks. So God confines us to His will. HH 148.8
Christ Himself has worn the yoke of service in humanity. He said, “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” John 6:38. Love for God, zeal for His glory, and love for fallen humanity brought Jesus to earth. This was the controlling power of His life. This principle He asks us to adopt. HH 149.1