To start I would like to begin with my testimony, I know that the Jesus Christ is the savior of mankind. I know that he lives.
As I stand before you today, I’m reminded of President Nelsons gentle wisdom, The answer is always Jesus Christ. Today, this guides my thoughts and words. The subject I wish to address is the “Yoke of Christ.” This topic came to me as I was preparing in the temple, as is my habit when I am given a speaking assignment. The temple is a place of peace and revelation, and I was pondering the question set before me: How has the gospel of Jesus Christ blessed my life?
In our spiritual journey, we often speak of yoking ourselves to the Savior. A yoke, traditionally used to harness the strength of animals or men, symbolizes a unique kind of unity and burden-sharing. But what, then, is the Yoke of Christ?
Let’s turn to the scriptures for understanding. There are 2 that I would like to focus on.
Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21
Verse 20: “There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—”
Verse 21: “And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.”
This scripture suggests that by yoking ourselves to the Savior through obedience, we align ourselves with His teachings. In doing so, we become eligible to receive the blessings that have been promised to those who obey the laws of god.
Matthew 11:29-30,
Verse 29: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
Verse 30: “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
These passages teach us about the reciprocal nature of our relationship with the Savior.
Throughout His ministry, and most poignantly during the events following the Last Supper, Jesus Christ exemplified the ultimate act of bearing burdens and offering comfort. His burdens were more significant than any burden we could imagine, yet He continuously sought to ease the loads of others even thought theirs were trivial in relation. This was apparent as he prepared for his final act, when he washed the feet of the apostles. This was apparent when he healed the ear of the soldier. This was apparent his entire life.
These examples lead us to contemplate the nature of His yoke. Is it possible that Christ’s yoke involves helping others with their burdens so that our own may be somehow lightened through service? Did the Savior’s burden become lighter as He served, washed the feet of His apostles, and healed the soldier, even as He approached His final sacrifice?
In this context, Christ’s yoke is intrinsically linked to the Great Commandment – to love God and love our neighbor. By sharing His yoke, we align ourselves with Him, lightening our burdens through the atonement. The atonement not only offers us comfort but also empowers us to provide comfort to others, thereby lightening all burdens. It reveals a profound truth: through loving and serving others, we can find redemption.
Let’s Reflect for a moment on the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this story, the Samaritan – representing Christ – tells the innkeeper to use what he has provided, for the care of the wounded man, promising to repay plus some upon his return. This narrative illustrates a divine principle: God multiplies our efforts and returns them with increase.
We see this principle in the loaves and fishes provided by the young boy, and in many other stories in the scriptures– these are manifestations of the law of sacrifice. What we give in the service of God and others is always returned to us, amplified.
So, returning to the initial question: How have I found joy in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? The answer lies in this divine exchange. In yoking myself to Christ, in serving and loving as He did, I have found that my burdens have been lightened, my joys magnified, and my entire life enriched. This is the essence of the Gospel – a message of hope, love, and infinite generosity, teaching us that in giving, we receive; in serving, we are served; and in loving, we are beloved of God. Through our obedience to the laws set forth by the savior which he himself followed we are sealed to him by a yoke that can never be broken.
I would like to end where I started, with my testimony. I know that Jesus Christ is my savior. I know that Jesus Christ Lives. I know Jesus Christ.
In his sacred name. Jesus Christ. Amen.