What Does It Mean to Be Yoked to Jesus?
- Jan 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 13
(Audio version at the end of page)
How Do You Know if You Are Yoked to Christ?
Have you ever wondered, “Am I truly yoked to Christ?” or maybe, “What does it even mean to be yoked to Jesus?” If so, you're not alone! Many of us feel a longing for a deeper connection with God, but sometimes we aren't sure if we're truly living out what it means to be “yoked” with Him. But fear not—today, we’re going to dive into this idea and explore how we can check our own hearts and lives for signs that we're yoked to Christ.
What Does It Mean to Be Yoked to Jesus?
In Matthew 11:29, Jesus offers us this invitation:
“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 (NIV)
A “yoke” in the biblical context refers to a farming tool used to join two oxen together, allowing them to work in tandem. When Jesus says to take His yoke upon us, He’s calling us to come alongside Him in partnership, to learn from His ways, and to carry His burdens in unity with Him.
The key takeaway here is that being yoked to Christ means living life with Him as our guide and our strength. It’s not a burdensome obligation, but rather a loving invitation to walk in step with the Savior, learn from His example, and find rest for our souls in Him.
Marks or Signs of a Person Yoked to Jesus
So how do you know if you're yoked to Christ? Well, there are several signs and qualities that might show up in your life. Let's take a closer look at these "marks":
You Walk in Humility and Gentleness: Jesus describes Himself as “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). When we are yoked to Him, our lives reflect His character. We become more patient, kind, and gentle with others. We also recognize our own limitations and rely more on Him instead of trying to control everything ourselves.
Scripture to Reflect on:
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” — Philippians 4:5
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” — Colossians 3:12
You Experience Peace and Rest: Jesus promises that when we come to Him and take His yoke, we will find “rest for our souls.” Being yoked to Christ means living in a rhythm of grace where our burdens are lighter because we are trusting in His strength.
Scripture to Reflect on:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” — John 14:27
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
You Seek to Learn from Him: Being yoked to Jesus means desiring to grow in knowledge of Him and applying His teachings in everyday life. It’s not just about knowing what the Bible says, but about living it out—acting with love, mercy, and compassion as He did.
Scripture to Reflect on:
“Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.” — John 6:45
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” — Matthew 11:29
You Are Fruitful in Your Actions: Those who are yoked to Christ begin to bear fruit—good works, acts of love, kindness, and generosity flow from a heart that is aligned with Him. It’s not just about doing good things but being transformed from the inside out.
Scripture to Reflect on:
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” — John 15:8
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” — Galatians 5:22-23
Exercises to Help You Get Yoked to Jesus
Now, let’s talk about practical steps to get yoked to Christ. These exercises will help you stay connected to Him and grow in your faith:
1. Daily Time in the Word (Bible Study)
Scripture is the primary way God speaks to us. Take time each day to read the Bible, reflect on it, and apply its truths to your life. Start with Matthew 11:28-30 and meditate on what it means to be yoked to Jesus.
Exercise: Write down 3 things you learn from your Bible reading that day and ask God how you can apply them in your life. Reflect on how you can carry His yoke in a way that is humble, gentle, and restful.
Prayer is how we communicate with God and align our hearts with His. If you want to be yoked to Christ, practice surrendering your will to His in prayer each day.
Exercise : Begin each prayer with the simple words, “Lord, I surrender my will to Yours today. Teach me how to walk in step with You.” Ask God for His help in carrying your burdens and trusting in His strength.
3. Serve with Love
One of the best ways to live out being yoked to Christ is through service. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Serving others is a tangible way to demonstrate His love.
Exercise: Volunteer for a ministry, serve a neighbour, or do something kind for a stranger this week. As you serve, remember that you're doing it in the strength and example of Jesus.
Remember, Jesus promises rest for your soul when you are yoked to Him. Take time to rest and reflect on His goodness. Life can get overwhelming, but Christ’s yoke is light, and He wants to refresh you.
Exercise: Set aside one day a week (maybe even part of a day) for rest, quiet reflection, and prayer. During this time, meditate on His promise of rest, and ask yourself, “How can I enter into His rest more fully?”
Quiz: Are You Yoked to Jesus?
Take this short quiz to reflect on your walk with Jesus and see how closely you're walking with Him.
Do you feel peace and rest in your soul?
Yes, even in difficult circumstances.
Sometimes, but not always.
No, I often feel anxious and burdened.
How do you react to difficult situations?
I respond with patience and humility.
I try to stay calm, but sometimes I lose my temper.
I struggle with anger or frustration.
Do you actively seek to learn from Jesus?
Yes, I read Scripture and apply it daily.
I read the Bible sometimes but struggle to apply it.
No, I rarely engage with Scripture.
How do you treat others?
I try to be kind, patient, and compassionate.
I struggle with patience, but I try.
I tend to be critical or harsh.
Yoked to Christ = A Life of Rest and Transformation
Being yoked to Jesus means entering into a deep partnership with Him—walking in His ways, sharing His burdens, and experiencing His peace. As you spend time with Him, learn from Him, and allow His love to transform your heart, you will find yourself living out the fruit of His Spirit.
If you feel a longing to be yoked to Jesus, it’s a sign that He’s drawing you closer to Him. Take the time to reflect on these signs, engage in the exercises, and remember—His invitation is always open: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Stay yoked, and rest in His love!
