Matthew 11:16-30

About the Text

(16) What did Jesus mean by saying that this generation is "like children sitting in the marketplaces"? Jesus is comparing some people to obstinate children who won't cooperatively play with each other. When one child wants to play "wedding" ~y playing a flute), the others won't dance. When another child wants to play "funeral" (by singing a mournful song), the others won't pretend to mourn.
Many people are the same way. They criticize and object to everything, saying such things as "Christians are all hypocrites, all churches are just social clubs, preachers just want your money. Okay, I'll go to church, but I won't sign anything, sing anything, give anything, or do anything." These are examples of a critical spirit. It happens even among regular church attenders. It prevents one from genuinely following Jesus Christ.

(19) What did Jesus mean by "but wisdom is proved right by her actions." Jesus meant that His merciful and miraculous works and deeds prove who He really is - the Son of God - even though many still choose to falsely accuse Jesus of being a fake.

(21) What are "Korazin" and "Bethsaida"? These are two cities around the Sea of Galilee (where the disciples preached in chap. 10). Although they prided themselves in their religious heritage, they would not believe the message of Jesus, and were thus condemned by Jesus.
(21) What are "Tyre" and "Sidon"? These are two cities along the Mediterranean Sea which were famous for their pagan revelry and godlessness. Jesus meant that He embraces those evil people who repent from their sins and turn to Jesus, rather than those who pride themselves on their religious heritage and refuse to repent.

(23) What is "Sodom"? Sodom was a city well-known by Jews as being a place of extreme sexual immorality of the worst kind. It was condemned as a wicked city in Genesis 13 & 14. Yet Jesus said that the city Capernaum was worse than Sodom, because Capernaum would not repent and follow Jesus.

(28) What kind of "rest" is Jesus talking about? The "ahhh" kind. That is, a state of total peace and harmony, rather than one of exhaustion and frustration. See Jeremiah 6:16, and 31:25.



Memory Verses

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 11:28-30)

Insights

• Some people don't submit to Jesus because they criticize everything.
• Some people don't submit to Jesus because they won't repent.
• God enables people submit to Jesus by opening their eyes to the truth.
• Jesus carries followers all the way, enabling them to continue submitting to Him.
  
  

The Bottom Line

Come to Jesus, and submit your life to Him. Don't be afraid. He will carry you all the way, just as He so completely erased your sins by dying on the cross.