Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’ 
Matthew 16 v24

This verse is, or at least should be, a constant challenge to us. To contemplate it, it seems almost impossible – to take on the burden of our own crucifixion, and follow Jesus on the Golgotha road. It is not left as an optional extra for those super-Christians you hear about in the stories. No, all of us are called on this road if we want to be His disciples!

Yet, this isn’t the only verse where Jesus talks about taking on a burden.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.
Matthew 11 v28-30

Two verses, two burdens of wood. One feels close to impossible, the other, a release from striving.

When contemplating this, I felt the truth is that this holds together like a double helix, the structure of life itself. Neither truth subsumes the other, both are bound around either other – both complete and connected.