\u201c\u201cCome 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.\u201d\u201d\n\u202d\u202dMatthew\u202c \u202d11:28-30\u202c \u202dNIV\u202c\u202c\n\n\u201cAfter Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, \u201cAre you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?\u201d Jesus replied, \u201cGo back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.\u201d\u201d\n\u202d\u202dMatthew\u202c \u202d11:1-6\u202c \u202dNIV\u202c\u202c\n\nThe Kingdom of Jesus brings good news to those on the margins. \n\n\u201cAs John\u2019s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: \u201cWhat did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings\u2019 palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: \u201c\u2006\u2018I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.\u2019 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear.\u201d\n\u202d\u202dMatthew\u202c \u202d11:7-15\u202c \u202dNIV\u202c\u202c\n\nThe Kingdom of Jesus is explosive.\n\n\u201cThen Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. \u201cWoe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.\u201d\u201d\n\u202d\u202dMatthew\u202c \u202d11:20-24\u202c \u202dNIV\u202c\u202c\n\nThe Kingdom of Jesus challenges our apathy (and makes us better)\n\n\u201cAt that time Jesus said, \u201cI praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. \u201cAll things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. \u201cCome 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.\u201d\u201d\n\u202d\u202dMatthew\u202c \u202d11:25-30\u202c \u202dNIV\u202c\u202c