Gospel Notes
The specific meaning of verse 28, which is often used out of context as a word of comfort at funerals, is revealed by the following verses, which refer to a "yoke." In Jesus' day, the law was referred to as a yoke, because it was demanding and burdensome. (The Hindu tradition also called its basic spiritual discipline yoga, Sanskrit for "yoke"!) By contrast, says Jesus, his message is "easy" and his "burden is light." For it rests, not upon human obedience…