John the Baptist Doubts
1When Jesus had finished giving instructions to his twelve disciples, he moved on from there to teach and preach in their towns.11:1 Mt 7:28; 9:35; Lk 23:5
2Now when John heard in prison what the Christ was doing, he sent a message through his disciples11:2–19 Lk 7:18–35
4Jesus replied to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see:
7As these men were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?11:7 Mt 3:1; Eph 4:14
8What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? See, those who wear soft clothes are in royal palaces.
9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.11:9 Mt 14:5; 21:26; Lk 1:76
10This is the one about whom it is written:
See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
11
“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared,
11:11
Lit arisen
but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been suffering violence,11:12 Or has been forcefully advancing and the violent have been seizing it by force.
13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14And if you’re willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come.11:14 Mal 4:5; Mt 17:10–13; Mk 9:11–13; Lk 1:17; Jn 1:21
An Unresponsive Generation
16
“To what should I compare this generation? It’s like children sitting in the marketplaces who call out to other children:
17
We played the flute for you,
but you didn’t dance;
we sang a lament,
but you didn’t mourn!
11:17
Or beat your chests in grief
19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard,11:19 Mt 9:10; Lk 7:36; 14:1; Jn 2:1; 12:2 a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 11:19 Mt 9:11; 18:17; Lk 15:2; 19:7 Yet wisdom is vindicated11:19 Or declared right by her deeds.”11:19 Other mss read children
20Then he proceeded to denounce the towns where most of his miracles were done, because they did not repent:
21“Woe to you, Chorazin!11:21–24 Lk 10:12–15 Woe to you, Bethsaida!11:21 Mk 6:45; Lk 9:10; Jn 12:21 For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon,11:21 Mt 15:21; Lk 6:17; Ac 12:20 they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes long ago.
22But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment11:22 Ezk 28:2–4; Am 1:9–10; Mt 10:15; 15:21; Mk 3:8 than for you.
23And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will go down to Hades.11:23 Is 14:13,15; Mt 4:13 For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until today.
24But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
The Son Gives Knowledge and Rest
28
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
11:28
Jr 31:25; Jn 7:37
29Take up my yoke and learn from me,11:29 Jn 13:15; Eph 4:20; Php 2:5; 1Pt 2:21; 1Jn 2:6 because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.11:29 Jr 6:16; Zch 9:9; 2Co 10:1; Php 2:7–8
30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
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