Take my yoke... 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30 Mr. O won the favorite teacher award…EVERY YEAR! It didn’t hurt that he was the P.E. teacher, but I don’t think that was the only reason. Mr. O’s “yoke” (teaching) was more than his curriculum…it was his love for his students. He was gentle and humble and had a way of making the learning fit the student. Regardless of your ability, you were going to find success in Mr. O’s class. More than that…you knew that he cared about you. This is the sense that we might take from these verses from the 11th chapter of Matthew’ gospel. Jesus is the gentle teacher who comes along side of us to show us the Father. Not in theory…but in real life application. Jesus is showing us the Father’s very nature. Sometimes when it comes to understanding about God, I think we get anxious and worry that we don’t have what it takes. Jesus doesn’t require an advanced degree before you can come and learn from him. Jesus came to everyday people in everyday situations to demonstrate the reality of God’s love for his children. Jesus’ “yoke” is his command: “love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 13:34) He asks us to do as he does. To live as he lives. To love as he loves. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 Blessings,
Matthew+ O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p. 230) | 
