Wild Donkeys

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. (Matthew 11:25-29 ESV). We live near the south perimeter of the Moncrief Ranch. This location, which encompasses over 17,000 acres behind high fence, is the headquarters for the Moncrief family. They are known for their oil and gas fortune, but also run ranch operations near Gunnison, Colorado and Lysite, Wyoming. On the Parker County ranch, you will find many species of wild life. Among them are the Grevy’s Zebras, Scimitar Oryx, Impala, Blackbuck, and the nearly extinct Wild Jerusalem Nubian Asses. It is not unusual to merely drive by on the country road near the fence and see herds of these animals peacefully grazing. The interesting point for me in seeing the Jerusalem donkey is the Biblical reference to the animals in Jesus’ day. One of those is found in our reading today. The image of the “yoke” led to a wonderful principle. Jesus was both a model Jew and the Son of God, yet much more. In the Jewish tradition, only the best students were invited to the final level of study, the Bet Midrash (House of the Student). The rest went home to learn the family trade and a life of ordinary work. First century Jews longed for more than ordinary just as we do today. Each rabbi sought to teach his own understanding of life and Scripture—his yoke—to his students. Bet Midrash was prep school for becoming a rabbi. The first task ensured the new student could in fact wear the rabbi’s yoke. If the rabbi deemed you competent he would say, “Take my yoke upon you.” Leaving everything, the student would follow, giving up their life, learning to be an exact imitation of their rabbi. This started the adventure of the extraordinary life of being a rabbi. Jesus’ words meet us today saying, “Take my yoke upon you.” They indicate that he knows we are ready for something more. “I believe you have what it takes,” he says. No matter what your past looks like or where you are today, Jesus’ words are an invitation to go deeper, to be intimate. Jesus’ yoke transforms ordinary into extraordinary. Jesus believes you can be like him. His yoke is easy to learn. Are you willing to be like your rabbi?