Matthew 11.  The tone of Jesus’ preaching ministry changes a bit in this chapter, as he adjusts to a time of disappointment.

1. John the Baptist had been violently taken by force.  Even John was beginning to question whether he had got it right.  He asked through his disciples if Jesus was “the one who is to come.”  Jesus proclaims that he is the Messiah, and that John the Baptist was “the “Elijah who is to come” – the forerunner (1-15).
2. Like a prophet of old, Jesus rebukes the cities in which he had shared the gospel because they wanted the kingdom on their terms (17-19).  In spite of the great miracles Jesus had done there, still many rejected the kingdom, and will suffer in hell for it.  On the day of judgment, even Sodom will fare better (24).
3. Yet even in this time of disappointment, our king thanks his Father for those who have responded to his message.  Even though weary from his own rejected labor, he continues to call out to the weary and burdened, offering rest for their souls.

LORD, we know that times of disappointment will come.  Even Jesus experienced them.  During those times, may we trust in your sovereignty, and find rest in your yoke.