Matthew 11 — FBV

11Verse 1When Jesus had finished giving instructions to his twelve disciples, he left to go and teach and speak publicly in the nearby towns.^{Verse 2}While John was in prison he heard what the Messiah was doing, so he sent his disciples^{Verse 3}to ask on his behalf, “Are you the one we were expecting to come, or should we continue to look for someone else?”^{Verse 4}Jesus answered them, “Go back and tell John what you hear and what you see.^{Verse 5}The blind can see, the crippled can walk, the lepers are healed, the deaf can hear, the dead are resurrected, and the poor hear the good news.^{Verse 6}Blessed are those who don't reject me!”^{Verse 7}As they left, Jesus began to talk to the crowds about John. “What were you expecting to see when you went out into the desert? A reed tossed about by the wind?^{Verse 8}So what did you go to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? People dressed like that live in kings' palaces.^{Verse 9}So what did you go to see then? A prophet? Yes, and I tell you he is much more than a prophet!^{Verse 10}He's the one this Scripture was written about: ‘I'm sending my messenger on ahead of you. He will prepare your way for you.’^{+Verse 11}I tell you the truth, that among humanity⁺there's no one greater than John the Baptist, but even the least important in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.^{Verse 12}From the time of John the Baptist up till now the kingdom of heaven continues to be under attack, and violent people are trying to seize it by force.^{Verse 13}For all the prophets and the law⁺spoke for God until John came.^{Verse 14}If you're prepared to believe it, he is Elijah, the one who was expected to come.^{+Verse 15}Anybody with ears should be listening!^{Verse 16}What shall I compare this generation to? It's like children sitting in the marketplaces shouting to each other,^{Verse 17}‘We played the flute for you and you didn't dance; we sang sad songs and you didn't cry.’^{Verse 18}John didn't come feasting and drinking, so people say, ‘He's devil-possessed!’^{Verse 19}On the other hand the Son of man came and did feast and drink, and people say, ‘Look, he's greedy and drinks too much; he's a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by what it does…”^{Verse 20}Then he began to reprimand the towns where he'd done most of his miracles because they had not repented.^{Verse 21}“Shame on you, Korazin! Shame on you, Bethsaida! If the miracles had been performed in Tyre and Sidon which happened among you, they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes long ago.^{Verse 22}But I tell you that on the Day of Judgment it will be better for Tyre and Sidon than it will for you!^{Verse 23}And what about you, Capernaum? Will you be exalted to heaven? No, you'll go down to Hades! If the miracles had been performed in Sodom which happened among you, Sodom would still be here today.^{Verse 24}But I tell you that on the Day of Judgment it will be better for Sodom than it will for you!”^{Verse 25}Then Jesus prayed, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for you've hidden these things from the clever and sophisticated. Instead you've revealed them to ordinary people.^{+Verse 26}Yes, Father, you were pleased to do this!^{Verse 27}Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father, and no one really understands the Son, except the Father, and no one really understands the Father, except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.^{Verse 28}Come to me, all of you who struggle and who are burdened down. I will give you rest.^{Verse 29}Accept my yoke, and learn from me. For I am kind and have a humble heart, and in me you will find the rest you need.^{Verse 30}For my yoke is gentle, and my burden is light.”