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Mt 11-12 provides an overview of the various responses to the proclamation of Jesus. In these chapters we see for the first time that Israel as a whole is rejecting Jesus.
This rejection characterizes the people (11:7-24), but especially the religious authorities (12:1-45). These authorities are on the attack in ch. 12. Their sin has blinded them to the true significance of Jesus (12:6, 41-42; cf. vv.33-38): therefore they believe wrongly that Jesus' miracles are due to collaboration with the Devil (12:24-32). Only one group within Israel, the disciples, accepts Jesus' announcement of the kingdom (11:25-30; 12:46-50).
These chapters explore the meaning of this general rejection and describe the origins, character, and results of unbelief. Here readers are warned not to fall into the trap of rejection and unbelief. Rather, they are encouraged to hear and understand accurately (11:15), and to come to Jesus, who alone is able to grant them the rest that they desperately seek (vv.28-30).
The key passage within this section is 11:25-30. Here Jesus gives one reason for the rejection of Jesus by Israel: It is due to the will of God, who has hidden his revelation from the greatest part of Israel (the wise and learned), but has granted it to the disciples (little children). Jesus is not suggesting that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation and others for condemnation. Rather, God has decided that those who choose to place their trust in the wisdom of this world will be blinded to the reality of his kingdom, while those who reject such reliance on worldly wisdom (and depend on God) will receive understanding (vv.25-27).
Jesus ends this paragraph with an invitation to all persons to come to him (11:28-30). Negatively, this coming involves casting aside all vain and wearisome attempts to find rest (wholeness) on the basis of human striving. Positively, it means assuming the yoke (teaching of the cross) of Jesus, which alone provides the wholeness all seek.