Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me
The Gospel of Matthew

I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls
The Gospel of Matthew

A tiny sore throat. Mental exhaustion. An upset tummy.

I’m not feeling great, but I’m not on my deathbed either. The alure of lying on the couch and watching The Price is Right is strong. I also have important things on my to-do list.

Should I stay or should I go?

As a kid, the decision was usually made by a parent putting their hand on my forehead. As an adult, it’s up to me to weigh it out. Which would be better for me–productivity or down time?

The Bible’s response to such questions is…mixed. Case in point:

At one place in Matthew, Jesus encourages us to take up Jesus’ yoke and learn from him. A yoke is what you put on cattle to get them to plow for you.

Elsewhere in Matthew Jesus offers gentleness and humbleness. We are invited to rest. We deserve a break today.

Two statements, two directives. I guess that means both answers are acceptable. There’s a time to stay and a time to go.

But here’s the twist—they’re from the same verse.

Here’s the whole thing:
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
—Matthew 11:29

Jesus seems to think we can do it all at once–work AND rest. He’s saying “stay with me” and “go forth” all at the same time.

A clue to understanding this verse is the next verse, where he states that his yoke is easy, and his burden is light. He makes it sound like it’s a yoke we’ll want to take up, as if true rest only comes to those prepared to let Jesus lead them.

I think of all the burdens I carry every day. Even on my happiest days, I find myself weighed down by the concerns of the world. “Stay” or “Go” becomes something more akin to “engage” or “disengage”. Sometimes I can give it my all, and sometimes I just collapse.

Jesus offers an alternative to those extremes. We should let God’s grace help us carry those earthly burdens. Instead, we can take up Christ’s gentle guidance that gives our lives some structure and purpose amidst the chaos.

That’s the place where you find the healthy balance between stay and go, between work and rest. For Jesus, these are not polar opposites. They are what healthy living looks like.

I dare you to try it out this week. Find time to “stay” and to “go”. If you’re really feeling the spirit, find a way to do both at the same time.

Send me a picture

if you show up to work

in your PJs.

Have a great week,

Mitch