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For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.
Biblical scholars make clear that verses 28–30 of Matthew 11—the heart of this pericope and one of the most tender, soothing passages in Scripture—is about sabbath. When Jesus says, “Come to me all you who are weary,” he is framing the sabbath as less a set of rules and more a way of living that honors rest and good work.