Chapter 11

This chapter, I think needs more research. Most of the chapter is a reference to scripture. There were references to John the Baptist among the old prophets, references to the proverbs description of wisdom, references to Sodom and to Elijah. And in the midst of this history, he speaks of something powerful. Something to come. He says " the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. or all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. He who has ears, let him hear." I am wondering exactly what this message meant to the crowd of people around Jesus and to the disciples of John. It seems as though he is saying something very important.

And then the verse we've all been waiting for -

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. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light

After such a difficult charge in chapter 10, here we find the promise of rest and comfort. Here Jesus says, Yes the work will be hard. Yes you will suffer BUT I have grace that passes understanding. You won't feel stressed out about it. Doing my work will seem easy to you because you ABIDE in me.

"The Dude abides"

Abide means -- To withstand; to continue to be sure or firm; to endure; to sustain; to submit to; to bear patiently; to tolerate; to dwell or sojourn

When we abide in Christ we withstand the road that he has placed before us with a firmness and trust in what is to come and he sustains us.

Do you guys want to get into some of the old testament references?