John’s Inquiry
(Luke 7:18–23)

1After Jesus (YHWH saves) had finished instructing His twelve disciples (pupils), He went on from there to teach {didaskein} and preach in their cities (in the towns of Galilee).a

2Meanwhile John (YHWH is gracious) heard in prison about the works (acts) of Christ (the Anointed One), and he sent his disciples [he sent two of his disciples]b 3to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?”

4Jesus (YHWH saves) replied, “Go back and report to John (YHWH is gracious) what you⁺ hear and see: 5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers <Lev 13>c are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me (who is not offended by Me).d”

Jesus Testifies about John
(Malachi 3:1–5; Luke 7:24–35)

7As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus (YHWH saves) began to speak to the crowds about John (YHWH is gracious): “What did you⁺ go out into the wilderness (solitary place) to see? A reed swaying in the wind? 8Otherwise, what did you⁺ go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look (Behold), those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. 9What then did you⁺ go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you⁺, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written:

‘Behold, I will send My messenger (angel) ahead of You,

who will prepare Your way before You <Mal 3:1>.’e

11Truly I tell you⁺, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John (YHWH is gracious) the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12From the days of John (YHWH is gracious) the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subject to violence (has been forcefully advancing),f and the violent lay claim to it. 13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied (foretold) until John (YHWH is gracious). 14And if you⁺ are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah (my God is YHWH) who was to come <Mal 4:5>.g

15He who has ears [ears to hear],h let him hear.

16To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces (town square) and calling out to others:

17‘We played the flute for you⁺,

and you⁺ did not dance;

we sang a dirge,

and you⁺ did not mourn.’

18For John (YHWH is gracious) came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look (Behold) at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated (rendered innocent) by her actions.”

Woe to the Unrepentant
(Luke 10:13–16)

20Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles {dynameis} had been performed, because they did not repent. 21“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida (fishing house)! For if the miracles {dynameis} that were performed in you⁺ had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22But I tell you⁺, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you⁺.

23And you, Capernaum (village of comfort), will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles {dynameis} that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24But I tell you⁺ that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

Rest for the Weary
(Luke 10:21–24)

25At that time Jesus (YHWH saves) declared, “I praise You, Father {Pater}, Lord {Kyrie} of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed (uncovered) them to little children. 26Yes, Father {Patēr}, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.

27All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father {Patēr}, and no one knows the Father {Patera} except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.

28Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you⁺ rest. 29Take My yoke upon you⁺ and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you⁺ will find rest for your⁺ souls. 30For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”