Think of a few paradoxes. You might have a couple in your own life...I know I do.

Our expectations can sometimes get the best of us. We can try to be well meaning, but it sometimes escapes us, even with our best actions.

Jesus dealt with the paradox of the kingdom throughout His entire ministry. People expected different things. And sometimes, He even talked about those different expectations.

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!

"My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:25-30

You see, sometimes our own points of confusion not only get the best of us, but can convince us that we need to be part of something much harder or complicated than it actually is. Jesus goes face to face with our expectations in this passage, confronting what we think provides for us and what causes the best life. He is asking us to trade in our burdens for His blessings. And he doesn't ask us to do it by working harder or becoming more powerful, but by allowing Him to take His welcome position as friend and servant.