Chapter 11
verses 1-6 Read the Bible verses
John the Baptist had been in prison. King Herod put him in prison because he was angry about some things John said.
John heard about the wonderful things that Jesus was doing. So he sent his friends to ask Jesus if he really was the Messiah. Jesus told them to go tell John all the things that they had seen Jesus do.
Chapter 11 verses 7-19 Read the Bible verses
Jesus speaks about John. Jesus said that John was sent to prepare (make ready) the way for Jesus.
Jesus said that the people said bad things about John. Yet John lived a simple life. He did not drink alcohol drinks. He often fasted.
Now people were saying bad things against Jesus. He ate and drank with friends and sinners. Jesus went to dinners and weddings. It seems that no matter what a preacher did– people still did not like it. They always found something wrong with what you did.
Jesus said that John was the greatest prophet of all. But a believer or follower of Jesus was greater than John because they would see Jesus and they would understand greater things in the future—because of the Holy Spirit’s work.
Jesus said that John the Baptist was like Elijah from the Old Testament.
Chapter 11 verses 20-24 Read the Bible verses
Jesus speaks against 3 towns where he did many wonderful healings and miracles. He spoke against them because the people in those towns had not repented of their sins and turned to God.
Jesus said if he had done the same miracles in Sodom, Tyre and Sidon of long ago—they would have repented. And God would not have destroyed them.
Chapter 11 verses 25-27 Read the Bible verses
Jesus said that God gave Jesus power and authority (the right to decide) over everything.
Chapter 11 verses 28-30 Read the Bible verses
Jesus said, “Come to me if you are tired and weary, and have heavy burdens—he will give you rest.”
Jesus said he would teach us. A yoke is what an ox wears around its neck so it can pull a load. It is also a way to guide the animal. Jesus said that his yoke is easy.
The pathway that God has for us to walk would be the easiest for us. That does not mean that there would be no problems. It does mean that the problems that we will have will be ones that we will be able to bear. Some troubles would be too much for our personality. God knows how to guide us according to our personalities so we can bear it.
Jesus said that if we come under his leadership, our burdens will be light and they will be burdens that we are able to bear.
There will always be troubles to bear in this life, but if we are followers of Jesus, our way will be made easier because Jesus is with us. Jesus will teach us to make wise choices.