Matthew 11:1-11

Jesus and John the Baptist

1 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.^[a]

2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds 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^[b] 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.’^[c]

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.

Cross References

• 1. S Matthew 7:28
• 2. S Matthew 3:1
• 3. Matthew 14:3
• 4. Psalms 118:26; John 11:27; Hebrews 10:37
• 5. Isaiah 35:4-6; Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 15:31; Luke 4:18,19
• 6. Matthew 13:21; Matthew 26:31
• 7. S Matthew 3:1
• 8. Matthew 3:1
• 9. Matthew 14:5; Matthew 21:26; Luke 1:76; Luke 7:26
• 10. John 3:28
• 11. Malachi 3:1; Mark 1:2; Luke 7:27

Footnotes

• [a] Greek "in their towns"
• [b] The Greek word traditionally translated "leprosy" was used for various diseases affecting the skin.
• [c] Mal. 3:1