A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

BE YOKED TO JESUS     

Matthew 11:29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me (Jesus). . .”   

To the many in the world who are seeking peace, contentment, happiness, and prosperity through the resources the world offers but are failing to obtain them, yesterday’s devotional thought found Jesus offering to personally provide them. Today, Jesus’ words continue His offer by encouraging seekers to obtain what they need by becoming yoked to Him and learning from Him the answers to their many needs. 

A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plough or cart that they are to pull. It enables the two animals yoked together to pull greater loads than they are able to do individually.   

The yoke Jesus offers is the gospel. Through the power of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit’s work through it, the trials, difficulties, disappointments, and failures you experience are removed. You are released from the guilt and despair that comes from your sins. You are given forgiveness so that your sins are removed and are no more.   

Worry, fear, doubt, stress burden you. Jesus invites you to place all of these upon Him by being in faith yoked to Him. Yoked to Him, what you are unable to do He does for you. As Psalm 23 says, He leads you to good pasture, quiet water. He restores your soul. He leads you to right paths that lead you to goodness and mercy that shall be yours daily and throughout your life. 

Repeating Jesus’ words from yesterday’s devotion: “Come to Me. . . “ Repeating Peter’s words: “Cast all your anxiety on Him (Jesus) because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Remembering the Psalmist encouraging words, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him . . .” (Psalm 37:5) 

Jesus has promised, “Surely I am with you always and will be unto the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, keep me yoked to Jesus. In His name. Amen. 

Savior, like a shepherd lead us; Much we need Your tender care.  
In Your pleasant pastures feed us, For our use Your fold prepare.  
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, You have bought us; we are Yours.  
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, You have bought us; we are Yours. 

We are Yours in love befriend us, Be the guardian of our way;  
Keep Your flock, from sin defend us, Seek us when we go astray.  
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Hear us children when we pray.  
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Hear us children when we pray. 

You have promised to receive us, Poor and sinful though we be;  
You have mercy to relieve us, Grace to cleanse, and pow’r to free.  
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Early let us turn to You.  Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Early let us turn to You. 

Early let us seek Your favor, Early let us do Your will;  
Blessed Lord and only Savior, With Your love our spirits fill.  
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, You have loved us, love us still.  
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, You have loved us, love us still. 

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us // LSB 711