His Yoke only has room for two.

Raised because of our justification…Romans 4:25

Because of that page in our Bibles separating Malachi from Matthew, too many think the New Covenant began with the birth of Jesus. The New Covenant actually began with His death, This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many, Mark 14:24. Jesus died to redeem us from our sins, thank God. He was raised from the dead for our justification, Praise God. It is finished.  

Unfortunately, too many people still struggle with a works-based salvation. Jesus knew this when He came preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. It was time to think in a new way. To make His point, Jesus spoke in very harsh terms. Words like, if you struggle with sin then gouge out your eye or cut off your hand. Now that is extreme. Jesus was making a point: it is not about works. Pleasing God is all about living faith. 

Jesus was telling Israel, your righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees, Matthew 5:20. This shocked His audience. They thought the most righteous people of their time were the Pharisees. How could God expect more? Well, God does expect more. God expects us to acquire His righteousness, through Christ Jesus, Romans 3:21-22.

When we leave this truth behind, we join those who think they must earn their righteousness through good works. The trade the freedom of Jesus for the slavery of works. They refuse to take the yoke of Jesus. When you accept His yoke, there is only room for you and Him and nothing else. Neglect this and we remain under the bondage of sin, death, and the works of self-improvement.