John's Inquiry
(Luke 7:18-23)
1And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
2Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5The blind receive their sight, 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. 6And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
Jesus Testifies about John
(Luke 1:5-25; Luke 7:24-35; Luke 16:14-17)
7And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
10For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
11Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that 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 suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
16But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, 17And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. 18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 19The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
Woe to the Unrepentant
(Luke 10:13-16)
20Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: 21Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. 23And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
Rest for the Weary
(Luke 10:21-24)
25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
King James Bible
Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.
John’s Inquiry
(Luke 7:18–23)
1 It happened that when Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.
2 Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?” 4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.”
Jesus Testifies about John
(Malachi 3:1–5; Luke 7:24–35)
7 As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in king’s houses. 9 But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.
10 For this is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’
11 Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions 17 and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you didn’t dance. We mourned for you, and you didn’t lament.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”
Woe to the Unrepentant
(Luke 10:13–16)
20 Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they didn’t 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. 22 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in you, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, on the day of judgment, than for you.”
Rest for the Weary
(Luke 10:21–24)
25 At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants. 26 Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight. 27 All 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. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
John’s Inquiry
(Luke 7:18–23)
1 After Jesus had finished instructing His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. a
2 Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples b 3 to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?”
4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers c are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6 Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me. d”
Jesus Testifies about John
(Malachi 3:1–5; Luke 7:24–35)
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? 8 Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You,
who will prepare Your way before You.’ e
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subject to violence, f and the violent lay claim to it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. g
15 He who has ears, h let him hear.
16 To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
17 ‘We played the flute for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”
Woe to the Unrepentant
(Luke 10:13–16)
20 Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
Rest for the Weary
(Luke 10:21–24)
25 At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.
27 All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.
28 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Footnotes:
1 a That is, in the towns of Galilee
2 b BYZ and TR he sent two of his disciples
5 c A leper was one afflicted with a skin disease. See Leviticus 13.
6 d Or who is not offended by Me
10 e Malachi 3:1
12 f Or has been forcefully advancing
14 g See Malachi 4:5.
15 h BYZ and TR ears to hear
John's Inquiry
(Luke 7:18-23)
1And it came to pass, when Jesus ended directing his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
2And John having heard in the prison the works of the Christ, having sent two of his disciples, 3said to him, 'Art thou He who is coming, or for another do we look?' 4And Jesus answering said to them, 'Having gone, declare to John the things that ye hear and see, 5blind receive sight, and lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and deaf hear, dead are raised, and poor have good news proclaimed, 6and happy is he who may not be stumbled in me.'
Jesus Testifies about John
(Luke 1:5-25; Luke 7:24-35; Luke 16:14-17)
7And as they are going, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, 'What went ye out to the wilderness to view? -- a reed shaken by the wind? 8'But what went ye out to see? -- a man clothed in soft garments? lo, those wearing the soft things are in the kings' houses. 9'But what went ye out to see? -- a prophet? yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet,
10for this is he of whom it hath been written, Lo, I do send My messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.
11Verily I say to you, there hath not risen, among those born of women, a greater than John the Baptist, but he who is least in the reign of the heavens is greater than he. 12'And, from the days of John the Baptist till now, the reign of the heavens doth suffer violence, and violent men do take it by force, 13for all the prophets and the law till John did prophesy, 14and if ye are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who was about to come; 15he who is having ears to hear -- let him hear.
16'And to what shall I liken this generation? it is like little children in market-places, sitting and calling to their comrades, 17and saying, We piped unto you, and ye did not dance, we lamented to you, and ye did not smite the breast. 18'For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a demon; 19the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, Lo, a man, a glutton, and a wine-drinker, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners, and wisdom was justified of her children.'
Woe to the Unrepentant
(Luke 10:13-16)
20Then began he to reproach the cities in which were done most of his mighty works, because they did not reform. 21'Woe to thee, Chorazin! woe to thee, Bethsaida! because, if in Tyre and Sidon had been done the mighty works that were done in you, long ago in sackcloth and ashes they had reformed; 22but I say to you, to Tyre and Sidon it shall be more tolerable in a day of judgment than for you. 23'And thou, Capernaum, which unto the heaven wast exalted, unto hades shalt be brought down, because if in Sodom had been done the mighty works that were done in thee, it had remained unto this day; 24but I say to you, to the land of Sodom it shall be more tolerable in a day of judgment than to thee.'
Rest for the Weary
(Luke 10:21-24)
25At that time Jesus answering said, 'I do confess to Thee, Father, Lord of the heavens and of the earth, that thou didst hide these things from wise and understanding ones, and didst reveal them to babes. 26Yes, Father, because so it was good pleasure before Thee. 27All things were delivered to me by my Father, and none doth know the Son, except the Father, nor doth any know the Father, except the Son, and he to whom the Son may wish to reveal Him.
28'Come unto me, all ye labouring and burdened ones, and I will give you rest, 29take up my yoke upon you, and learn from me, because I am meek and humble in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls, 30for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.'
The Favor of God Message paraphrase
Jesus and John the Baptist
¹ After Jesus finished instructing His twelve followers, He went on to preach and teach in the towns of Galilee.*
² When John, who was in prison, heard about the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples
³ to ask Him, “Are You the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”*
⁴ Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:
⁵ The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor!
⁶ Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of Me.”*
⁷ As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?
⁸ If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces.
⁹ Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
¹⁰ This is the one about whom it is written:
‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’*
¹¹ Truly I tell you, among those born of women, there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.
¹² From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people have been raiding it.*
¹³ For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.
¹⁴ And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
¹⁵ Whoever has ears, let them hear!*
Jesus Denounces Unrepentant Towns
¹⁶ “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
¹⁷ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’*
¹⁸ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
¹⁹ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
²⁰ Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent:
²¹ “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.*
²² But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
²³ And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.
²⁴ But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
Rest for the Weary
²⁵ At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
²⁶ Yes, Father, for this is what You were pleased to do.
²⁷ All things have been committed to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.
²⁸ Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest!
²⁹ 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.
³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Footnotes:
11:1: “Preach and teach”: The Greek verbs “κηρύσσω” (kērussō) and “διδάσκω” (didaskō) refer to public proclamation and instruction. Jesus was both announcing the Kingdom and explaining its principles.
11:3: “Are you the one to come?”: John was asking if Jesus was the expected Messiah, the one who would bring salvation.
11:10: “I will send my messenger ahead of you”: This is a direct quotation from Malachi 3:1, which prophesied the coming of John the Baptist as the forerunner to the Messiah.
11:12: “Forcefully advancing”: The Greek word here can mean “seized” or “forcefully pressing forward,” indicating that the Kingdom of Heaven is advancing through persistent, sometimes violent opposition.
11:17: “We played the pipe”: This refers to a common children’s game in ancient times, where they would pretend to play joyful or mournful music. Jesus uses this to describe the unresponsiveness of the generation to both His message and John’s.
11:21: “Sackcloth and ashes”: A cultural symbol of deep repentance and mourning in the ancient Near East.
11:29: “Yoke”: A metaphor for the teaching and way of life that Jesus offered, which contrasts with the heavy burdens of religious legalism.
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