John the Baptist’s Inquiry

1. And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished directing His twelve disciples, He went away from there to teach and to preach in their cities.
2. Now when John heard in prison about the works of the Christ, he sent two of his disciples.
3. And he said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
4. Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John the things which you hear and see.
5. The blind receive sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
6. And blessed is he who is not offended in Me.”

7. And as they departed, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning 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 clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
9. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
10. For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.’
11. Truly, I tell you, among those born of women there has not arisen one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

12. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent ones seize it.
13. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14. And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come.
15. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Rebuke of Unbelief

16. But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, calling to their companions,
17. and saying, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned, and you did not weep.’
18. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
19. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her works.

Woe to Unrepentant Cities

20. Then He began to denounce the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent:
21. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
22. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you.
23. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
24. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.”

Rest for the Weary

25. At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.
26. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing before You.
27. All things have been delivered 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 labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.