Matthew 11:1-30, NLT
Matthew 11
Jesus and John the Baptist
1When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region.
2John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus,
4Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—
7As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind?
‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way before you.’*11:10 Mal 3:1.
11“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!
16“To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,
17‘We played wedding songs,
and you didn’t dance,
so we played funeral songs,
and you didn’t mourn.’
18For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’
Judgment for the Unbelievers
20Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn’t repented of their sins and turned to God.
23“And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead.*11:23 Greek to Hades. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today.
Jesus’ Prayer of Thanksgiving
25At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.
27“My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
28Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.