in the gospels Jesus speaks about two pieces of wood that we are to "take" up and upon ourselves. both of these are general and sweeping invitations for us to experience his conception of a well-lived human life in this fallen world. ultimately they cannot be in contradiction to one another--they must somehow fit together. they are equally valid and practical appeals from the Master of human life.
in luke 9, Jesus challenges us to take up our cross daily in order to follow in his steps. obviously he isn't speaking about us literally dying every day, but a "dying" that essentially is about laying down our will in order to do his will.
in matthew 11 he beckons us to take his yoke upon us and that this yoke is easy and the burden that it helps us to shoulder is light. and...that it is a way of discovering rest for our souls. how is it possible that the sacrifice and suffering that is involved in embracing "our cross" in luke 9 is akin to being relieved of the weariness and heavy burdens that comes with taking upon ourselves "his easy yoke"?
certainly, there is more that needs to be said.
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