Yoke results form our search efforts No 1

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

1) Take my yoke - This is a figure taken from the use of oxen, and hence signifying to labor for one, or in the service of anyone. The “yoke” is used in the Bible as an emblem:

(1) of bondage or slavery, Lev_26:13; Deu_28:38.

(2) of afflictions or crosses, Lam_3:27. Klaagliedere 3:27

(3) of the punishment of sin, Lam_1:14, Klaagliedere 1:14

(4) of the commandments of God.

(5) of legal ceremonies, Act_15:10; Gal_5:1.

2) It refers here to the religion of the Redeemer; and the idea is, that they should embrace his system of religion and obey him. All virtue and all religion imply “restraint” - the restraint of our bad passions and inclinations - and subjection to laws; and the Saviour here means to say that the restraints and laws of his religion are mild, and gentle, and easy.

3) Let anyone compare them with the burdensome and expensive ceremonies of the Jews (see Act_15:10), or with the religious rites of the pagan everywhere, or with the requirements of the Popish system, and he will see how true it is that Jesus’ yoke is easy. And let his laws and requirements be compared with the laws which sin imposes on its votaries - the laws of fashion, and honor, and sensuality - and he will feel that religion is “freedom,” Joh_8:36. “He is a freeman whom the truth makes free, and all are slaves besides.” It is “easier” to be a Christian than a sinner; and of all the yokes ever imposed on people, that of the Redeemer is the lightest.