Questions from John the Baptist

1[†]Now it happened that when Jesus had finished [†]giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He departed from there to teach and [†]preach in their cities.

2Now when John in prison heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3and said to Him, “Are You the One who is to come, or shall we look for someone else?” 4And Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: 5the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the POOR HAVE THE [†]GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM. 6And blessed is he [†]who does not [†]take offense at Me.”

Jesus’ Tribute to John the Baptist

7Now as these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8[†]But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ [†]palaces! 9[†]But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it [†]is written,

‘BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER [†]AHEAD OF YOU,

WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.’

11Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is [†]least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven [†]suffers violence, and violent men [†]take it by force. 13For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who [†]was to come. 15He who has ears to hear, [†]let him hear.

16“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call out to the other children, 17and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not [†]mourn.’ 18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a [†]drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and [†]sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated [†]by her deeds.”

Woe to Unrepentant Cities

20Then He began to denounce the cities in which most of His [†]miracles were done, because they did not repent. 21“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the [†]miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in [†]sackcloth and ashes. 22Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. 23And Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will descend to Hades; for if the [†]miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. 24Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you.”

Come to Me

25At that [†]time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. 26Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. 27All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

28“Come to Me, all [†]who are weary and heavy-laden, 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.”