Matthew 11:
16 “Oh, what can I compare this generation with? They’re like children sitting in the marketplaces, calling out to each other,
17 ‘We made happy music,
but you wouldn’t dance!
We made sad music,
but you wouldn’t cry!’
18 For Yochanan came, fasting, not drinking — so they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came, eating freely and drinking wine — so they say, ‘Aha! A glutton and a drunkard! A friend of tax-collectors and sinners!’ Well, the proof of wisdom is in the actions it produces.”
25 It was at that time that Yeshua said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you concealed these things from the sophisticated and educated and revealed them to ordinary folks. 26 Yes, Father, I thank you that it pleased you to do this.
27 “My Father has handed over everything to me. Indeed, no one fully knows the Son except the Father, and no one fully knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.
28 “Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.[
Matthew 11:29 Jeremiah 6:16
] 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Complete Jewish Bible]
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Jesus' words of conviction here hit home. If Jesus or John the Baptist were our contemporaries, would we, like the crowds, be so quick to disregard their righteousness? The beginning of this week's gospel reading challenges us to examine ourselves. Jesus, who regularly ate and drank with tax collectors, is calling us to do the same thing. A life of faith is truly countercultural and takes place far outside of our comfort zones. Loving God and our neighbors is no easy task. Jesus' words are a reminder and call for us to always be ready and willing. What might God be calling us to do today? To whom might God be sending us to serve? God is constantly shattering our expectations, and offering us the privilege of being invited into the work of building God's kingdom.
God of justice, guide us into neighborly relationships so that we may live with and for all of your children. Amen.
Joshua Kestner, '17
Admissions Counselor, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.
Matthew 11:16 "But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,
17 "We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.'
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, "He has a demon';
19 the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, "Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds."...
25 At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants;
26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
29 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.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." [New Revised Standard Version[
Jesus' words of conviction here hit home. If Jesus or John the Baptist were our contemporaries, would we, like the crowds, be so quick to disregard their righteousness? The beginning of this week's gospel reading challenges us to examine ourselves. Jesus, who regularly ate and drank with tax collectors, is calling us to do the same thing. A life of faith is truly countercultural and takes place far outside of our comfort zones. Loving God and our neighbors is no easy task. Jesus' words are a reminder and call for us to always be ready and willing. What might God be calling us to do today? To whom might God be sending us to serve? God is constantly shattering our expectations, and offering us the privilege of being invited into the work of building God's kingdom.
God of justice, guide us into neighborly relationships so that we may live with and for all of your children. Amen.
Joshua Kestner, '17
Admissions Counselor, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.
Matthew 11:16 "But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,
17 "We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.'
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, "He has a demon';
19 the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, "Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds."...
25 At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants;
26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
29 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.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." [New Revised Standard Version[
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