This week's gospel reading stretches over two separate pericopes. Each has a distinct message, and each shares some common concerns. Both are within Matthew 11 a chapter devoted to answering a single question. In 11:2, the imprisoned John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Although Jesus' first response uses positive images, he soon begins to discuss the attitudes and outlooks for those who fail to see him as "the one who is to come."

Our text begins with the so-called "parable of the children" (vv. 16-17). These unusual verses seem to reflect both patterns of traditional children's behavior and gender roles in ancient Near Eastern culture, as well as subtly skewering adult behaviors and formalities.

Jesus compa…