Matthew 11 announces that John the Baptist brought the Hebrew Bible era to a close because he
“is the Elijah who was to return.” (Mat 11:14)
This was a totally frightening idea to the rabbis and priests whose personal fortunes and legal powers were based on the cult of Temple worship.
So, they were determined to destroy any such teachings that would limit or, worse, erase their authority.
Jesus preaches that the Jews reject all of God’s advances (Mat 11:14-19)
Matthew 11 (KJV) – And if ye will receive
no matter if the appeal of Truth is through stern warnings by John or gentle urgings by Jesus.
And finally, Jesus offers rest to those:
“who labor and are overburdened”
with the asinine restrictions of the Mosaic Law.
So, of course, the Jews hated him all the more because he freed the tithe paying Jews from the despotism of the rabbis.