14. In what way is Christ’s yoke kindly?

¹⁴ When Jesus invited the weary to become his disciples, he told them that ‘his yoke is kindly and his load is light.’ In what way is his yoke kindly? Some yokes today as in Jesus’ day are lined with soft cloth so that the yoke does not chafe the necks of the oxen. They might be called “kindly yokes” because they show consideration and love. The Christian yoke is kindly because the yoke of dedication is voluntary and because it is lined with the love of God and Christ. Since everyone without exception, the rich and the poor, the educated and the uneducated, the one with ability and the one without, the old and the young, the one with strength and the one without, can avail himself of this privilege of dedication, this proves that it is a kindly yoke. “God is not partial,” said the apostle Peter, “but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.”​—Acts 10:34, 35.

His yoke is lined with true love. It does not gall or chafe us as worldly yokes do. Worldly yokes are harsh, cutting and demanding. They chafe and tire, not only because they are harsh, but because one feels no lasting benefit, no true attainment, no real satisfaction in working to satisfy the selfish cravings of wicked men on earth. But when yoked with Christ as one of his disciples, we each have the joy and contentment that comes with serving Jehovah, and this is what satisfies.

THE LIGHT LOAD

16. What is the ‘light load’ mentioned by Christ?

¹⁶ Jesus assures today’s burdened souls: “My load is light.” (Matt. 11:30) What is this light load? It is the living up to God’s requirements for life. The apostle John wrote: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3) “What is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?” (Mic. 6:8) Is God asking too much of us when he requests that we be just, loving, kind and modest when walking with him? Are not these the qualities that we enjoy in others? Christians are commanded to preach the good news of God’s kingdom “in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations”; to “make disciples of people of all the nations”; to teach them to live in harmony with Bible principles. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) Is this an exceptionally heavy load, too much to bear? Let us see.

17. Why can we say this load is a light one?

¹⁷ Bear in mind that this load means we must speak to people about God’s kingdom and teach people how to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Is this too much to ask of us? Almost everyone has the ability to speak in some language, and people generally enjoy speaking about the things that are close to them. In fact, such conversation is inspiring and energizing. Well, then, if the love of God is close to us, will we not want to speak about our God? If we appreciate what his Son Jesus Christ has done for us in supplying us with a perfect example and ransom, will we not want to talk about it? If we fully understand what the kingdom of God will do for all obedient mankind, transforming this earth into a paradise and uplifting humankind to perfection and life everlasting, will we not want others to hear about the good news of God’s kingdom? Of course we will! Things dear to our hearts do not represent a burden, but a refreshment to the soul! And this is especially true with things having to do with God, Christ and his kingdom. In fact, “with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation.”​—Rom. 10:10.