Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve apostles, he left there to teach and preach in the cities of Galilee.

John, who was imprisoned, heard about Jesus' miracles and sent two of his disciples to ask if Jesus was indeed the one they had been expecting. They asked him, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for someone else?"

Jesus answered them by saying, "Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard: people with sight loss are receiving their vision back, those crippled from birth can walk again, lepers are being healed, the deaf are hearing, the dead are coming back to life, and the poor are hearing good news about the kingdom."

As they were leaving, Jesus began telling the crowds about John. "What made you go out into the wilderness to see him?" he asked. "Was it to gaze at a reed swaying in the wind? Or were you drawn to a person dressed in fancy clothes who lives in luxurious homes?"

"No," he continued, "you went out to see a prophet, and I tell you that John is more than just a prophet. This is what was written about him: 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face to prepare the way for you.'"

Among those born of women, John the Baptist stands out as a remarkable figure, but even he will be surpassed by those who are humble in the kingdom of heaven. Since John's time, the kingdom has been under siege, and only those with great determination have been able to enter it.

The prophets and the Law had foretold his coming until John appeared on the scene. And if you're willing to accept this, then John is indeed the Elijah who was to come.

But Jesus warned, "If you have ears to hear, listen!" Then he turned to the crowd and said, "What can I compare this generation to? It's like children sitting in marketplaces, calling out to their friends and saying, 'We played music for you, but you didn't dance. We mourned, but you didn't grieve.'"

The people had criticized John for not eating or drinking like a normal person, claiming he was possessed by an evil spirit. Then they accused Jesus of being a glutton and a drunkard because he ate with tax collectors and sinners. But wisdom is vindicated by those who live righteously.

Jesus began to condemn the cities where most of his miraculous works had taken place because they failed to repent. "Woe to you, Chorazin and Bethsaida," he said. "If the mighty works I did in you were done in Tyre and Sidon, those people would have repented long ago, wearing sackcloth and ashes."

It will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on judgment day than for these cities. And Jesus turned his attention to Capernaum, saying, "You who are exalted to heaven, you will be brought down to Hades. If the miraculous works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would still exist today."

It will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on judgment day than for Capernaum.

At that time, Jesus offered a prayer of thanksgiving: "Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I praise you because you have hidden these truths from wise and learned people, but revealed them to those who are simple and trusting."

Jesus continued, "Yes, Father, it seemed good in your sight." All authority has been given to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those whom the Father chooses to reveal him.

Come to me, all of you who are worn out from carrying heavy loads and burdened with worries. I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon yourselves, learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart. You will find rest for your souls, because my yoke is easy to wear, and my burden is light.

I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart:

and you will find rest for your souls

For my yoke is easy to wear, and my burden is light.