¶ And it came to pass when Iesus had ended his precepts unto his disciples, he departed thence, to preach and teach in their cities.
¶ When Ihon being in prison heard the works of christ, he sent two of his disciples and said unto him. Art thou he that shall come: or shall we look for another. Iesus answered and said unto them. Go and shew Ihon what ye have heard and seen. The blind see, the halt go, the lepers are cleansed: The deaf hear, the dead are raised up again, and the gospel is preached to the poor. And happy is he that is not hurt by me.
¶ Even as they departed, Iesus began to speak unto the people of Ihon. What went ye for to see in the wilderness? went ye out to see a reed wavering with the wind? other what went ye out for to see? went ye to see a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? went ye out to see, a prophet? Yea I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written. Behold, I send my messenger before thy face which shall prepare thy way before thee.
¶ Verify I say unto you, among the children of women arose there not a greater than Ihon baptist. Notwithstanding he that is less in the kingdom of heaven, is greater than he. From the time of Ihon baptist hitherto, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and they that make violence pulleth it to them. For all the prophets, and the law prophesied unto the time of Ihon. Also if ye will receive it, this is Helyas, which should come. He that hath ears to hear whithall, let him hear.
¶ But whereunto shall I liken this generation? it is like unto children, which sit in the market, and call unto their fellows, and say: we have piped unto you, and ye have not danced, we have mourned unto you, and ye have not sorrowed. For Ihon came, neither eating nor drinking, and they say, he hath the devil. The son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, behold a glutton, and drinker of wine, and a friend unto publicans, and sinners. And wisdom is justified of her children.
¶ Then began he to upbraid the cities, in which most of his miracles were done, because they did not repent. Woe be to thee Chorasin. Woe be to thee Bethsaida, for if the miracles which were shewed in you, had been done in Tyre and in Sidon: they had repented long agone in sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless I say to you, it shall be easier for Tyre and Sidon, at the day of judgement, than for you. And thou Capernaum, which art lift up unto heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. For if the miracles which have been done in thee, had been shewed in Sodom, they had remained to this day. Nevertheless I say unto you, it shall be easier for Sodom in the day of judgement, than for thee. Then Iesus answered and said. I praise thee o father Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast opened them unto babes, even so father, for so it pleased thee. All things are given unto me of my father. And no man knoweth the son, but thy father neither knoweth any man the father, save the son, and he to whom the son will open him.
¶ Come unto me all ye that labor, and are laden, and I will ease you. Take my yoke on you, and learn of me, for I am meek, and lowly in heart: and ye shall find ease unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
© Faith of God
William Tyndale 1525