Chapter 11

1When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he left that place to teach and proclaim his message in the towns of that region.

2While John was in prison, he heard what the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to Jesus.

3John’s disciples asked Jesus, “Are you the promised one who is coming, or should we wait for someone else?”

4Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see.”

5Jesus continued, “Blind people regain their sight. People who could not walk are walking. People with serious skin diseases are healed. Deaf people hear. The dead are raised, and the poor hear good news.

6Anyone who does not turn away because of me is truly fortunate.”

7As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began speaking to the crowds about John: “What did you go into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

8What, then, did you go to see? A man dressed in luxurious clothes? People who wear luxurious clothes live in royal palaces.

9So what did you go to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you—and someone more than a prophet.

10God says in Scripture about John, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare the road ahead of you.’

11I assure you, no one ever born has been greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least important person in God’s kingdom—his rule from heaven—is greater than John.

12From the time John the Baptist began his work until now, God’s kingdom has suffered violence, and violent people have been trying to seize it.

13The Law of Moses and all the prophets foretold what was coming up to John’s time.

14If you are willing to accept this, John is Elijah, the prophet who was expected to come.

15Anyone with ears should listen carefully.”

16Jesus continued, “What can I compare the people of this generation to? They are like children sitting in public squares and calling to other children.

17The children say, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a funeral song, but you did not mourn.’

18John came living a strict, self-denying life in what he ate and drank, and people say, ‘He has a demon.’

19Then I, the Son of Man, came eating and drinking, and people say, ‘Look at this man! He eats too much and drinks too much wine. He is a friend of tax collectors and others known for doing wrong.’ Yet wisdom is shown to be right by what she does.”

20Then Jesus began to strongly criticize the towns where he had performed most of his miracles, because their people had refused to change how they thought and lived.

21Jesus said, “How terrible it will be for you, Chorazin! How terrible for you, Bethsaida! If the miracles performed among you had been performed in the cities of Tyre and Sidon, their people would have changed their ways long ago, wearing rough mourning cloth and sitting in ashes to show their sorrow.

22But I tell you, when God judges everyone, Tyre and Sidon will find that day more bearable than you will.

23And you, Capernaum, do you think you will be raised as high as heaven? You will go down to the realm of the dead. If the miracles performed in you had been performed in Sodom, that city would still exist today.

24But I tell you, when God judges everyone, the land of Sodom will find that day more bearable than you will.”

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

26Yes, Father, because doing this pleased you.

27My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father. No one truly knows the Father except the Son and anyone the Son chooses to show who the Father is.

28Come to me, all of you who are exhausted and weighed down, and I will give you rest.

29Take my yoke upon you—accept my guidance—and learn from me. I am gentle and humble at heart, and you will find rest for your whole being.

30My yoke is easy to carry, and my burden is light.”