Family Activity

A Box of Air

Have you ever picked up something you thought would be heavy, only to find it was light? Surprise! In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus compared discipleship to carrying a yoke, a heavy wooden harness that guided oxen as they pulled a plow. Imagine how the ears of his listeners were tickled when he said his "yoke" was light! If the responsibilities of religion weighed people down, a love relationship with Jesus made the load lighter.

To make the point, decorate a large, empty box with industrial symbols. Make the box look heavy. Gather family members around the box and ask someone to pick up the box (even challenge them). When your family realizes the box is light, read Matthew 11:29-30. Tell your family God's love makes the responsibilities they have easier, even light. Close with a prayer like Matthew 11:25.