Matius 11:29

11:29 Take my yoke ¹  on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matius 16:24

16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to become my follower, ²  he must deny ³  himself, take up his cross, ⁴  and follow me.

[11:29]  ¹ sn A yoke is a wooden bar or frame that joins two animals like oxen or horses so that they can pull a wagon, plow, etc. together. Here it is used figuratively of the restrictions that a teacher or rabbi would place on his followers.

[16:24]  ² tn Grk “to come after me.”

[16:24]  ³ tn This translation better expresses the force of the Greek third person imperative than the traditional “let him deny,” which could be understood as merely permissive.

[16:24]  ⁴ sn To bear the cross means to accept the rejection of the world for turning to Jesus and following him. Discipleship involves a death that is like a crucifixion; see Gal 6:14.