The Kingdom of heaven is advancing1Having given these instructions to His twelve disciples, Jesus moved on to teach and preach in other Galilean towns.2-3In prison John heard what Christ was doing and sent his disciples to ask Him: "Are You the long-expected Messiah, or should we await someone else?"4-5Jesus answered: "Return to John and tell him what you hear and see: the blind are receiving their sight, the lame are walking, those with leprosy are being healed, the deaf are able to hear, even the dead are being restored to life; and the good news is being preached to the poor.6The man who does not depart from his faith in Me is truly blessed."7As John's disciples were departing, Jesus spoke to the crowd about John. "When you went to see him in the desert, what did you expect to see? A reed swaying about in the wind?8No? Then what did you expect to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, such people are in king's palaces.9Then why go to see him? Because he is a prophet? I tell you, he is even greater than a prophet.10John is the one of whom it is written, 'I will send My messenger ahead of You to prepare the way before You!'11"I tell you the truth, of all those born of women, no one has been greater than John the Baptist. And yet even the least person in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.12From the time John the Baptist began to preach until now, the Kingdom of heaven has been advancing on earth by power, and forceful people are laying hold of it.13Before John you had the prophetic words written in the law and by all the prophets.14If you only realise and believe it, John is the Elijah who was to come before the Christ.15He who has spiritual understanding, let him hear what I say.16-17"How would you describe this present generation? They are like children who sit in the marketplaces shouting to others, 'We played the flute for you but you refused to dance. When we sang a funeral song, you refused to mourn.'18For John did not come eating and drinking and they accused him of having a demon.19Then the Son of Man came both eating and drinking and they say, 'He is a glutton and a drunkard, who befriends the tax collectors and sinners.' True wisdom is demonstrated by the fruit that results from it!"Unrepentant cities are cursed20Because they had not repented, Jesus then began to speak against the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed.21"Korazin, you are cursed; Bethsaida, you also are cursed! If the miracles that took place among you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes long ago.22But I tell you plainly, on the Day of Judgment Tyre and Sidon will fare better than you!23And what about you Capernaum? Will you be exalted at that time? No, you will be cast down into the depths. If the miracles you witnessed had been performed in Sodom, it would still exist today.24So I make it clear to you that on the Day of Judgment Sodom will fare better than you!"25Then Jesus worshipped: "I praise You Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from those who consider themselves wise and learned, and have revealed them to those who regard themselves as Your little children.26Yes, Father, this is what it pleased You to do."Rest in Jesus27Then Jesus explained: "The Father has entrusted everything to Me. Only He really knows the Son, and no-one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to make Him known.28"Everyone who feels tired and oppressed, come to Me and I will give you rest!29Be united with Me and learn from Me, for I have a humble and gentle heart; then you will find peace for your souls.30When you are united with Me I make light of your burdens."
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)