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. The yoke — the rabbi's teaching, the system of interpretation that shaped one's entire life — is the metaphor for what Jesus offers as an alternative to the Pharisaic burden. The gentleness and lowliness of heart that characterize Jesus contrast with the pride that closed the wise and understanding to the revelation (verse 25). Matthew 11:29 is one of the only places in the Synoptic Gospels where Jesus explicitly describes his own inner character. Jeremiah 6:16 speaks of finding rest for your souls by standing at the crossroads and asking for the ancient path — Jesus applies that ancient invitation to himself.

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