Now it came to pass when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities.
And John when he had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him; «Are You the Coming One or do we look for another?»
And Jesus answered and said to them; «Go and tell John the things which you hear and see; the blind see and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them; and blessed is he who is not offended because of Me».
As they departed Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John; «What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed by the wind shaken?
But what did you go out to see? A man in soft garments clothed? Indeed, those who the soft clothing are wearing in the houses of the kings they are found.
But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written; «Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You».
Assuredly, I say to you, there has not arisen among those born of women one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven is rushing ahead, and the insistent ones are taking it by force.
For all the prophets and the law until John came have prophesied. And if you are willing to accept it, he (John) is Elias who was to come. He who has ears to hear let him hear.
But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who calling to their companions are saying; «We played the flute for you, and you did not dance, we mourned to you, and you did not lament».
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say; «He has a demon». The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say; «Behold, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners». And wisdom is justified by her deeds!».
Then He began to rebuke the cities in which had been done most of His mighty works, because they did not repent;
«Woe to you, Chorazin, Woe to you, Bethsaida; For if in Tyre and Sidon had been done the mighty works which were done in you, long ago in sackcloth and in ashes lying they would have repented. But I say to you, for Tyre and Sidon it will be more tolerable in the day of judgment than for you.
And you, Capernaum, who thought that you were to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if in Sodom had been done the mighty works which were done in you, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that for the land of Sodom it shall be more tolerable in the day of judgment than for you».
At that time Jesus answered and said; «I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to infants; Yes, Father, for so it seemed well-pleasing in Your sight.
All things have been delivered to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, nor the Father does anyone know except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
Come to Me all of you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls; for My yoke is easy and My burden is light».