Matthew 11:2-19

Modern English Version

The Messengers From John the Baptist^(A)

² Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, ³ and said to Him, “Are You He who should come, or should we look for another?”

⁴ Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: ⁵ The 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.^{[a] 6} Blessed is he who does not fall away because of Me.”

⁷ As they departed, Jesus began to say to the crowds concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? ⁸ If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. ⁹ Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰ For this is he of whom it is written:

¹¹ Truly I say to you, among those who are born of women, there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. But he who 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 forcefully advanced, and the strong take it by force. ¹³ For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. ¹⁴ And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah, who is to come. ¹⁵ He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

¹⁶ “But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the markets, calling to their friends, ¹⁷ saying:

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 gluttonous man, a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”