Matthew 11

John Asks About Jesus

1When Jesus finished instructing his twelve disciples, he left there to teach and proclaim in their towns. 2When John heard in prison about the works of the Christ, he sent word through his disciples 3and asked Jesus, “Are you the one who is coming, or should we expect someone else?” 4Jesus answered them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: 5blind people receive sight, those with impaired legs walk, people with skin diseases are cleansed, deaf people hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told good news. 6And blessed is anyone who does not stumble because of me.”

Jesus Speaks About John

7As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began speaking to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Look, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 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:
‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’ 11Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist. Yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven is subjected to force, and forceful people seize it. 13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15Let anyone with ears listen.

A Generation That Refuses to Respond

16“To what can I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces who call to others: 17‘We played the flute for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a funeral song,
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, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her works.”

Woe to Unrepentant Towns

20Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where most of his works of power had been done, because they did not repent. 21“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the works of power done among you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. If the works of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until today. 24But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

Come to Me and Rest

25At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, because this was pleasing in your sight. 27Everything has been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28Come to me, all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your lives. 30For my yoke is kind, and my burden is light.”