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Matthew 11
In the morning, they all traveled in separate directions, to carry the Good News throughout Israel. ----- John the Baptist was still in prison, but he'd heard rumors of the free health care from his visitors. He asked his trusted students to seek out Jesus and find out whether Jesus, in fact, had become that fire dude John had foretold. Jesus told John's students, "Go back, and tell John what you have seen with your own eyes: that the blind can see, the lame can walk, the deaf can hear, the dead are alive! And God's Good News is spreading." As they left, Jesus turned to the crowd to praise John, the Baptist. When you people wandered into the desert to learn more about this man John the Baptist, what did you expect to find? A man wearing expensive clothes in a palace? No, you expected to find a prophet. And you did find a prophet, yes, the best of them all, the one who was meant to prepare the way for me. John is the greatest of all humans ever born! Yet you all whispered, "Look at his ratty clothes, look at the crap he eats, John must be a crazy man." Just as you all whisper about me, "Look at this fat guy, look at this drunk, partying with sinners." But do not judge us by our appearances, judge us by the wisdom of our teachings and the results of our actions. Then Jesus became enraged, as he thought of all the cities in which people had seen his miracles, and had not repented. Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in your cities had been performed in Baghdad and Kabul, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Baghdad and Kabul on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you. Then Jesus calmed down, as he thought of the innocent children who knew God better than any of their elders. 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.
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