Matthew 11
Jesus Confirms That the Ministry of John the Baptist Had Prepared the Way (11:1–19)
1 After Jesus had finished ordaining his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their towns in the Galilee. 2 Now, when John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent a message through his disciples 3 that said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we wait for someone else?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Return and report to John what you hear and see. 5 The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached unto them. 6 Blessed is anyone who is not offended by me.”
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to watch? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No! Those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written, ‘Behold, I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you’ [Mal. 3:1]. 11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women, there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of the heavens is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of the heavens has been subjected to violence, and violent people seize it, 13 for all the Prophets and the law prophesied, until John. 14 And if you wish to accept it, he is the Elias who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear. 16 To what may I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the markets who are calling out to others, 17 saying, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed for you, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they said, ‘Behold a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
Curses and Woes Will Come upon Unrepentant Cities (11:20–30)
20 Then Jesus began to chide the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed 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 on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the heaven? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed among you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
25 At that time Jesus interjected, saying, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you hid these things from the wise and intelligent, but revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for thus is it pleasing before you.” 27 Then he said, “All things have been entrusted to me by my Father. No one recognizes the Son except the Father, and no one recognizes the Father except the Son and to whom the Son desires to reveal him. 28 Come unto me, all you who are tired and burdened, and I will refresh you. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn together from my help, for I am meek and submissive at heart, and all of you will find relief for your souls, 30 for this yoke of mine is well-fitting and this cargo of mine is bearable.”
