English
Jesus said, ‘Come to me, because my yoke is mild and my lordship is gentle, and you will find rest for yourselves.’
Interpretation
Jesus reassures his listeners that in contrast to other ‘lords’, his teachings are actually not that severe. This implies that the other ‘lords’ are opposing religious leaders, as implied by the religious context behind Saying 89, but it could also include actual kings and rulers, as in Saying 78.
Parallels
Didache
6.2 If you can bear the Lord’s full yoke, you will be perfect. But if you cannot, then do what you can.
Matthew
11.28–30 ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’