Matthew 11

1When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he moved on from there to teach and to proclaim the message in their towns.

2Meanwhile John, now in prison, heard about the works of the Christ. He sent word by his disciples 3and asked him, “Are you the one who is coming, or should we wait for someone else?” 4Jesus answered them, “Go back and tell John what you are hearing and seeing: 5the blind can see and the lame are walking, people with leprosy are made clean and the deaf can hear, the dead are raised to life, and the poor are hearing the good news. 6And blessed is the one who does not take offense at me.”

7While they were on their way, Jesus started speaking to the crowds about John. “When you went out into the wilderness, what did you go to look at? A reed blowing back and forth in the wind? 8If not, what did you go out to see? Someone wearing soft, costly clothing? Those who dress in luxury are found in the palaces of kings. 9Why did you go out, then? To see a prophet? Yes indeed, I tell you, and he is even more than a prophet. 10This is the man of whom Scripture says, ‘I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will make ready your way in front of you.’ 11Truly I tell you, of all who have ever been born of women, no one has appeared who is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the smallest in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is. 12From the time of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been suffering violence, and violent people are snatching at it. 13For all the prophets and the law spoke of what was coming, until John. 14And, if you will receive it, John is Elijah, whose coming was foretold. 15Whoever has ears must listen.

16What picture shall I use for the people of this generation? They are like children who sit in the town squares and call out to the other children, 17‘We played the pipe for you, but you did not dance; we sang a funeral song, but you did not beat your breasts in grief.’ 18For when John came, he did not eat or drink as others do, and people say, ‘There is a demon in him.’ 19The Son of Man came and ate and drank, and they say, ‘Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much, and he is a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet the deeds of wisdom show that she is in the right.”

20Then Jesus began to reproach the towns that had seen most of his mighty works, for they had not repented. 21“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! Had Tyre and Sidon seen the mighty works done among you, they would have turned from their sins long ago, dressed in sackcloth and sitting in ashes. 22But I tell you this: on the day of judgment Tyre and Sidon will be better off than you. 23And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted as high as heaven? No, you will go down to the realm of the dead. If Sodom had seen the mighty works done in you, it would still be standing today. 24But I tell you this: on the day of judgment the land of Sodom will be better off than you.”

25At that time Jesus said, “Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I give you praise, because you have kept these things hidden from the wise and the knowledgeable and have made them known to little children. 26Yes, Father, it pleased you to have it so.

27My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one fully knows the Son except the Father, and no one fully knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son decides to make him known.

28Come to me, all of you who are worn out with work and weighed down with burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Put my yoke on your necks and learn from me, because I am gentle and my heart is humble. Then you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy to wear, and the load I give is light.”