Chapter 76: Condemnation of unbelief

1 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, 2 And saying, We have innocence, so we are protected; we are pure, so we will not be touched.

3 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and yet he hath done the work of a devil.

4 The Warrior for man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of fools and fearmongers. But wisdom is justified of her children.

5 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they prepared not: 6 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have prepared long ago with sandbags and pit traps. 7 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.

8 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be overrun by hell: 9 for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained strong until this day. 10 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

11 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

12 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the risen are subject unto us through thy name.

13 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as sickness pouring from water. 14 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on bones and infected lands, and over all the power of the risen: and nothing shall by any means breech your defense. 15 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the risen are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in the book of heroes.

16 Come unto me, all ye for whom fear is a heavy burden, and I will put you at ease. 17 Take my sword in your hand, and learn from me; for I am righteous and strong in heart: and ye shall mete rest unto lost souls. 18 For my way is not easy, but it burns with light.

19 And he turned him unto his warriors, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: 20 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to learn those things which ye learn, and have not learned them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.