Matthew 11

1When Jesus finished instructing his twelve disciples, he left that place to teach and to preach in their towns.

2John was in prison when he heard about the works of the Messiah, and he sent a message through his disciples

3and asked him, “Are you the one who is coming, or are we to wait for someone else?”

4Jesus answered them, “Go and let John know what you hear and see:

5the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, people with leprosy are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and to the poor the good news is proclaimed.

6And whoever does not stumble over me is blessed.”

7As they were going away, Jesus began to talk to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed swaying in the wind?

8So what did you go out to see? A man dressed in luxurious clothing? Look, people who wear luxurious clothing are found in royal palaces.

9So what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet.

10It is about him that it is written: ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’

11Truly I tell you, no one born of a woman has arisen who is greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.

12From the days of John the Baptist until now, violence has been done to the kingdom of heaven, and violent people seize it by force.

13For until John came, all the Prophets and the Law prophesied.

14And if you are willing to receive it, he himself is Elijah, the one who was going to come.

15Whoever has ears, let them hear.

16But what should I liken this generation to? It is like children who sit in the marketplaces and shout to the others:

17‘We played the flute for you, but you would not dance; we sang a funeral song, but you would not beat your chests.’

18For John came without eating or drinking, and they say, ‘There is a demon in him.’

19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this man, a glutton and a heavy drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom has been shown right by her works.”

20Then Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty works had taken place, since they had not repented.

21“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works that happened among you had happened in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, in sackcloth and ashes.

22But I tell you, it will go easier for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

23And you, Capernaum, will you be raised up as high as heaven? No, you will go down as far as Hades. For if the mighty works that happened among you had happened in Sodom, it would still be here today.

24But I tell you that it will go easier for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

25At that time Jesus declared, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you kept these things hidden from the wise and the discerning and revealed them to little children.

26Yes, Father, for that is what seemed good to you.

27My Father has handed everything over to me. No one knows the Son but the Father, and no one knows the Father but the Son and those to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.

28Come to me, all of you who are worn out from toil and loaded with burdens, and I will give you rest.

29Put my yoke on yourselves and learn from me, because I am gentle and my heart is humble, and you will find rest for your souls.

30For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is light.”