1 And so it happened, when Jesus had finished instructing His twelve apostles, He left there [and went] to teach and preach in the [other] Israelite towns. [See 10:23] 2 Now while still in prison, John [the Immerser] heard about the things Christ was doing, [so] he sent [word] through his disciples 3 and said to Jesus, "Are you the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?"
4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John the things you are hearing and seeing; 5 [how] blind people are receiving back their sight, and crippled people are walking [again], and people with infectious skin diseases are being healed, and deaf-mutes are hearing [and speaking (?) again], and people are being raised [from the dead], and poor people are having the good news preached to them. 6 The person who does not find an occasion for having doubts about my identity is fortunate indeed."
7 As the messengers [sent by John. See Luke 7:27] went on their way, Jesus began to talk to the crowds about John. [He said], "What did you expect to see when you went out into the desert? A tall stem swaying in the wind? 8 What did you expect to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? Look, people who wear fancy clothes live in kings' palaces. 9 Why did you go out [to the desert]? To see a prophet? Yes, I should say [he was], and much more than a prophet. 10 He is the one about whom it was written [Mal. 3:1], 'Look, I [will] send my messenger on ahead of you. He will prepare the pathway in front of you.'
11 It is true when I tell you, among [all] those born of women, no one greater than John the Immerser has come along. Yet the least significant person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Immerser the kingdom of heaven is experiencing turmoil, for violent men are [trying to] take control of it [by bringing it into existence] forcibly [i.e., before its appointed time. See Acts 1:6-7]. 13 For all of the prophets and the law of Moses prophesied [of this kingdom] up until the time of John. 14 And if you are willing to accept [this truth], this person [i.e., John] fulfills [the prophecy of] the coming of Elijah. [See Mal. 4:5-6] 15 The person who has ears to hear with ought to listen [to this] carefully.
16 But what should I compare the people of this generation with? They are like children sitting in the open shopping market, who call out to their playmates,
17 We [pretended like we] were making music [at a wedding] but you did not dance; we [pretended like we] were wailing [at a funeral] but you did not beat your chest [in mourning].'
18 For when John came, he did not eat or drink [on festive occasions] and people said, 'He is dominated by an evil spirit.' 19 [Then] the Son of man came eating and drinking [at festive occasions] and they said, 'Look, He is a glutton and a drunkard and a friend of tax collectors and worldly people.' It proves that [God's] wise counsel is right by the way things turn out."
20 Then Jesus began to rebuke the people of the towns where most of His powerful miracles were performed because they did not repent [when they saw Him perform them]. 21 [He said] "It will be too bad for you, Chorazin! It will be too bad for you, Bethsaida! For if the powerful miracles had been performed in [the cities of] Tyre and Sidon which were performed in your presence, they would have repented long ago, [demonstrating it] by wearing sackcloth [i.e., a coarse cloth made of goat hair] and throwing ashes [into the air]. 22 But I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be shown more leniency on the judgment day than you people will. 23 And Capernaum, do you think you will be lifted up toward heaven [as a proud city]? [No indeed], you will [surely] go down to the place of the unseen [i.e., become obscure or obliterated as a city]. For if the powerful miracles had been performed in Sodom which were performed in your presence, it would have remained [even] until today. 24 But I say to you, Sodom will be shown more leniency on the judgment day than you will."
25 About that time Jesus said [in prayer], "I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things [i.e., the significance of Jesus' words and works] from those who [thought they] were wise and intelligent and have [instead] revealed them to people who are child-like. 26 Yes Father, you did this because it was very pleasing to you. 27 "All things have been entrusted to me by my Father and no one [truly] knows the Son except the Father. And neither does anyone [truly] know the Father except the Son and that person to whom the Son wants to reveal Him.
28 Come to me, all of you who are overworked and overburdened and I will give you rest [i.e., spiritual refreshment]. 29 Accept my reins [on your life], and learn about me, because I am gentle and humble, and [in my service] you will experience rest in your spirits. 30 For my reins [on your life] are easy [to respond to] and the burden I place [on you] is light."