Yoked with Jesus (Tom Stephenson)

In this message, Tom unpacks Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28–30 to take His yoke and find rest for our souls. Using the agricultural image of a yoke — a wooden beam joining two animals to work together — Tom explains that Jesus doesn’t offer an escape from life’s challenges, but the strength, guidance, and partnership to walk through them. Just as mismatched animals can’t pull straight, we are called to be “yoked” with Jesus, matching His pace and direction, learning from His gentleness and humility.Drawing parallels with Psalm 23:4, Tom shows how God’s leading — like a shepherd’s rod and staff — may correct and guide us, but ultimately brings comfort and deeper trust. Through personal testimony of God’s provision during seasons of job loss, Tom illustrates how being yoked with Jesus builds perseverance (James 1:2–3) and peace, even in uncertainty. The call is to willingly submit to His leading, knowing His yoke is easy, His burden is light, and working with Him brings true rest and lasting fruit.