This was an inconvenient time for Jesus. He was sad and wanted to be alone for awhile, but he also felt sorry for the people who needed him. He answered their call for help and cared for them. This is a lesson for our lives.

A miracle is an amazing event for which we have no logical explanation. It is beyond our understanding. We have learned much about our natural world, but there are many things we don't completely understand. Have you ever seen or experienced a miracle? I think you have.

Jesus tells us that we should always be ready and willing to forgive, just as Jesus has forgiven us. We all make mistakes and do things that are hurtful to others - we are forgiven again and again. Jesus tells us that we must we willing to forgive others as we have been forgiven, over and over and over again - as many times as is needed.

Jesus talked about being close to a teacher when he said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me...." (11:29). A yoke is like a harness that is put over the shoulders of animals so they can work together to pull a heavy load. (Show picture.)

When we feel like we are carrying a heavy load or are burdened by problems, Jesus says we can be yoked to him. He says "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me...." (11:29). As we pray and read the Bible we learn how to look at a problem in a different way. We discover that when we work together our load seems lighter and we feel more able to manage and find solutions for our problems.