1And it happened that when Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and proclaim in their cities.

2Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent [a message] by his disciples 3and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" 4And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6And blessed is he who is not offended by me."

7And as these went their way, Jesus began to say to the crowds concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Look, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.

10This is the one of whom it is written, 'Look, I send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'

11Truly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. 13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14And if you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come. 15He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

16"But to what should I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces calling out to others, 17saying, 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance. We wailed in mourning, and you did not mourn.' 18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is justified by her children."

20Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21"Woe to you, Chorazin. Woe to you, Bethsaida. For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will be brought down to hell. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in you, it would have remained until this day. 24But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, on the day of judgment, than for you."

25At that time, Jesus answered, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and intelligent, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight. 27All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and he to whom the Son desires to reveal him.

28"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."