# Matthew Chapter 11
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## Summary
Jesus responds to messengers sent by John the baptist and does not answer directly their question but instead points to the fruit of his ministry. Jesus then preaches to the crowds about both his and John's role and the subversion of expectations. Jesus notes that ultimately he will be vindicated by the wisdom of his actions. Jesus then pronounces woe to cities that did not repent when the gospel of the Kingdom was preached too it, before giving thanks to God for his revelation. Jesus then notes that no one knows the father except he and those he chooses to reveal himself too. Jesus then invites individuals to come to him for rest noting his `yoke` is easy and his `burdern` light.

## Imagery and Themes
This passage doesn't at first glance appear to have much internal coherence. We jump from Jesus answering a seemingly innocent question, to the pronouncement of woe to cities for failing to heed the message of the Kingdom. Yet there is a subtle theme resonating throughout, that of expectations. In the first part we see that even John has bought into the idea of the triumphant messianic figure, commonly held during the age. To the point that he is questioning one he earlier in Mark outlined he was unworthy to even wash the guys feet. Jesus therefore has to address this and tackle the issue head on. He therefore encouraged individuals to reflect on what they went out to the desert to observe, or even why they have come to him.

The pronouncement against the cities contrasts well with this but is consistent with the notion of the rejection of Jesus as messiah. These cities have rejected Jesus Gospel of the Kingdom (we can perhaps guess) based upon his failure to live up to expectations. The reverse is however the reality. These cities have failed to accept the Gospel of the Kingdom and will as a result have to live with the consequences.

Why then the message about rest and burdens? Returning to what we read the other day we recall the Jesus talks about the sufficiency of emulating the teacher and recall the importance of abiding in the pattern. This `abiding` is has added benefits that of the reception of peace. Pursing Jesus isn't necessarily an easy thing, certainly emulating God in his perfection is likely to be very difficult. But there is `rest` for the weary to be found in the pattern. There is the assurance of `peace`. As such there is advantage. We might not expect Jesus to deliver us in accordance with our preferred method but `peace` and `rest` is nonetheless available.