1 AND it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, [ After the training was done for them - refer to previous chapter. ] he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. [ Suggesting that Jesus did not ask his apostles to do anything that he was not willing to do himself. This is what Jesus asked his 12 apostles to do in the previous chapters after they were called. ]

2 Now when John had heard in the prison [ John was cast into prison by order of Herod Antipas. John is in prison for his testimony of Jesus Christ. ] the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, [ So John knows that Jesus is coming right on his heals. So he send two disciples of his to go confirm that this is really Jesus. In a way is he send the disciples on a mission to determine for themselves that it is Jesus, if they come to understand that then they will change their discipleship from John to Jesus - which is the end goal of what John was here to do, since I can't do it myself. See Luke 7:18-20. ]

3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: [ Go tell John that you have seen me do the following: vs 5-6. ]

5  The blind receive their sight,[ "Anablepwsi", look upwards, spiritual connotation of looking up to the heavens where God is. ], and the lame walk,[ "Peripatwsi", they walk about. ], the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended [ "Skandalizesqai" in its root, it suggests that happy is he who does not stumble over me or at my word. ] in me.

7 ¶ And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? [ Was it just your curiosity that brought you to go see this wild man named John? What were you hoping to see there? ] A reed shaken with the wind? [ Is this what you were expecting to see when you went out in the wilderness to see John, a reed blowing in the wind? If that is what you were expect of John then you are dead wrong, he is not and never one who was moved by something so fickle as the wind. Of unsteady mind, one whom will believe and speak one thing to-day, and another tomorrow. Christ is asking these Jews wasn't John always steady and uniform in the testimony he bore to me? ]

8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? [ His clothes where made or harsh material, coarse threads not the best stuff. Implying that he was not teaching to receive worldly treasure of soft finer clothing. ] behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. [ Those who live their life delicately are usually not those who are willing to live the live required by the Lord. He demands a sacrifice of all in order to follow him at all costs, and those who are used to life with everything that they need, a soft like will usually not submit to what the Lord asks of them. Remember Mark Anthony - He who pillowed on thy bosom, turned aside from glories ray, he who drunk with they carasses madly through the world away. Usually soft clothing, if that is what you arre seeking for then you are not willing to offed people, you will only tell them what they want to hear - priestcraft. ]

9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. [ Why was John the Baptist more than just a prophet? Because not only did he prophecy of the Messiah, he was also building the kingdom in preparation for his coming. ]

10 For this is he, of whom it is written, [ Written in the scriptures that before the Messiah would come there would be a forerunner and John is him of whom the scriptures spoke. ] Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, [ The Savior himself explains Mal. 3:1. ] which shall prepare thy way before thee. [ This scripture is quoted by Jesus to set forth the credentials of John. ]

11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:[ Because he was the one whom the prophets have testified would come and prepare the way for the Savior. ]: notwithstanding he [ Anyone. It is a reference that Christ himself is greater than John. At the time Christ was considered by many of those who were there to be much less than John. ] that is [ Who becomes a member of. ] least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [ The Kingdom of Heaven, Christs Kingdom is greater than John the Baptist. Or those who follow Jesus are following a higher mission, are greater than any who would be a follower of John the Baptist - because John cam eto prepare the way for those to become a part of the Gospel of Jesus. It is the power of Jesus through which we are saved, no one else. If the "he" was referring to Jesus then he is simply stating here that the one who you consider to be the least in the kingdom, ie below John is really greater than John - a statement of authority - I am the truth and the light. ]

12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, [ Or this is what we are up against. The opposition will fight us with any mean necessary. In the New Living Translation of the bible it translates this as "The kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking". ] and the violent take it by force. [ A good example is John the Baptist at this point in time. Those who oppose him have put him in prison and will later kill him in an effort to stop the spreading of the Gospel. Why do they fight it so? Because they cannot comprehend how someone can put their trust in something outside of earthly power, and since the believers in Christ do so there is no way to control those people who are believers, and they can't deal with that. Their idea is that everyone should give all of their loyalty to a government or some other power, something that is tangible and not something that is intangible. The opposition feel the need to attack when they are threatened. ]

13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied [ "Proefhteusan" means here, they taught, or continued to instruct. ] until John.

14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias,[ Or forerunner. We learn that this is John the Baptist in Matt. 17:10-13. ], which was for to come. [ JST: Matt 11: 13-15 "13 But the days will come, when the violent shall have no power; for all the prophets and the law prophesied that it should be thus until John. 14 Yea, as many as have prophesied have foretold of these days. 15 And if ye will receive it, verily, he was the Elias, who was for to come and prepare all things." Or the righteous prophets from the days of old have waited to see the things that you now get to see with the Messiah walking the earth." ]

15  He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. [ Jesus is suggesting that they need to really listen to what he is saying here about John as well as himself. We need to in a way "Hear Him". ]

16 ¶ But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, [ What would most of the kids be doing in the market? Well they don't have a lot of money to buy things, they are not selling anything so they would most likely be looking for opportunities to cause mischief. The things I did as a little boy not in the market but at the places where we unloaded potatoes Jack Bangeter's, Clover club... ] and calling unto their fellows,

17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced;[ We have begun the music, which should have been followed by the dance, but ye have not attended to it. ]; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. [ Ye have not smote the breast: ouk ekoyasqe, from koptomai, to strike, or beat the breasts with the hands, particularly in lamentation. ]

18  For John came neither eating nor drinking, [ He was a Nazerite, who would want that life except someone with a devil. ] and they say, He hath a devil.

19  The son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. [ So Jesus is the opposite of John and that is not good enough for these people, you can't win with them. They appear to re-identify the terms with their pleasure. ] But wisdom is justified of her children. [ Wisdom is proved right by her deeds, or time will tell.]

20 ¶ Then began he to upbraid the cities [ He has given them so much evidence, if the disciples of John want to run back to him and tell him the good news, then what then are these people so unwilling to repent. The more God has done to draw men to him, the less excusable are they if they continue in iniquity. If God had not done every thing that was necessary for the salvation of men, he could not have justified in calling them to repent, because what would the ends be. ] wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:

21 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 repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.

23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven,[ A Hebrew metaphor, expressive of the utmost prosperity, and the enjoyment of the greatest privileges. This was properly spoken of this city, because that in it our Lord dwelt, and wrought many of his miraculous works. ], shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in sodom, it would have remained until this day.

24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. [ These sinner cities as bad as they are will be better off than you in the day of judgement if you don't change your ways and repent. These would have been fighting words to take Capernaum and suggest that it was worse than sodom - oh man. sodom was destroyed because of her sin. ]

25 ¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. [ The Savior placing his trust in his Father, suggesting that there has been so much given to this people and yet they have fallen so short. Why? Other than Jesus saying that I trust you and whatever reason you have for doing as you have with them. Not my will but thine be done. ]

27  All things are delivered unto me of my Father: [ Heavenly Father put the creation and the fulfillment of the plan of Salvation under the direction of Jesus; he is the one that the Father choose to work out the atonement, and as such he has delivered us to the son and the son will deliver us from the fall. ] and no man knoweth the son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the son, and he [ We must work out our own atonement so to speak by repenting and placing those sins upon him if we want to return to the Father. ] to whomsoever the son will reveal him. [ And this is what I have been trying to do for you. ]

28 ¶ Come unto me, [ Paraphrasing the summons found in Isa. 55:3. The son is the only way to the Father, so one must go to him to approach the Father. come unto him so he may recommend them to the Father, and they obtain His rest, cf. D&C 15:6. ] all ye that labour and are heavy laden, [ The toil and cares of the world that people slave under, Isa. 46:1. We are told to abandon these things and approach the Lord, cp. Ps. 55:22. Naturally, people being cruelly oppressed would be those who have the cares of the world imposed upon then, cp. Mosiah 24:8-15. The Jews, heavily laden with the burdensome rites of the Mosaic institution, rendered still more oppressive by the additions made by the scribes and Pharisees, who, our Lord says, (Matt 23: 4,) bound on heavy burdens; and laboring, by their observance of the law, to make themselves pleasing to God, are here invited to lay down their load, and receive the salvation procured for them by Christ. ] and I will give you rest. [ Rest from what? cp. Isa. 14:3. The promise of the covenant is to live in peace and comfort, with no fear of oppressors, enemies, sickness, famine, cf. Lev. 26:3-12, Deut. 28:1-13. ]

29  Take [ How do we take upon ourselves his yoke of Christ? Elder Bednar said "The yoke of Christ we take upon ourselves through the covenants and ordinances of the Gospel. Becoming one of the covenant children of the Lord, and having tha connection, a connection to the Father and THe son. That means that he abides in us, if we abide in him through the covenants, then he will abide in us, and he will walk with us. It says in the D&C that in the latter days, Satan will rage in the hearts of the children of men, and the whole earth will be in commotion. Isaiah said that evil would be called good, and good would be called evil.We live in those days. " Covenants Bind Us to Jesus Christ ] my yoke [ Strange paradox! that a man already weary and overloaded must take a new weight upon him, in order to be eased and find rest! But this advice is similar to that saying, Psa. lv. 22. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain thee; i.e. trust thy soul and concerns to him, and he will carry both thyself and thy load. "stable gear that joins two draft animals at the neck so they can work together"

To be yoked together is to be joined, and is usually shared by two, each must trust the other, they must work together - they need to think alike - become one in thought and purpose, direction and goals to be most effective. Usually both animals are matched as far as strength. Both are guided additionally by the master What benefits do we have of carrying the yoke with the savior? 1) We can trust that he will do his part, he is a God and cannot do anything but what he says he will do. 2) He knows the way and can help us along the path. 3) As we become one in purpose with him we become like him. and then we will think and act like him and also like our Father in Heaven. 4) He continues to take direction from our Father in heaven who is directing this grand plan.

2) the yoke is a symbol of servitude or slavery in the OT when used metaphorically in reference to people, cf. Gen.27:40, Lev. 26:13, Deut. 28:14.] upon you, and learn of me; [ How do we learn of him? By sharing this yoke, by working by his side, since he knows the way and can help us along the path. As we work with him we will become like him. God programmed the experience of life to be one of continual lack. Our resources and abilities seldom equal what is required to heft our burdens. As we struggle to cope and progress, we find ourselves in the constant need of seeking help from someone who has greater strength and ability. Try as we might, we cannot change life’s program. But once we admit that we will never have enough and that we need constant help, we will be in a better position to come to Jesus and draw strength from a Resource that never diminishes. ] for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, [ Free from anxiety, care, solicitude; quiet; tranquil; Not difficult; that gives or requires no great labor or exertion; Smooth; not uneven; not rough or very hilly; Gentle; moderate; not pressing; Yielding with little or no resistance; complying; To the Jews there were 6 specific kind of yokes that were significant in their culture. The word lw[ aval, among the Jews, which we properly enough translate yoke, signified not only that sort of neck-harness by which bullocks drew in wagons, carts, or in the plough; but also any kind of bond, or obligation, to do some particular thing, or to do some particular work. By them it is applied to the following things:- 1. The yoke of the KINGDOM of heaven, µym h twklm lw[ -obedience to the revealed will of God. 2. The yoke of the LAW, hrwh lw[ -the necessity of obeying all the rites, ceremonies, of the Mosaic institution. 3. The yoke of the PRECEPT, hwxm lw[ -the necessity of performing that particular obligation by which any person had bound himself, such as that of the Nazarite, &c. 4. The yoke of REPENTANCE, hkwh l lw[ -without which, they knew, they could not enter into the kingdom of heaven. With the Jews, repentance not only implied forsaking sin, but fasting, mortification . 5. The yoke of FAITH, hnwma lw[ -the necessity of believing in the promised Messiah. 6. The DIVINE yoke, aly[lr lw[ -the obligation to live a spiritual life; a life of thanksgiving and gratitude unto God. In Shemoth Rabba it is said: "Because the ten tribes did not take the yoke of God upon them, therefore their king Sennacherib led them into captivity." CHRIST'S yoke means, the obligation to receive him as the MESSIAH, to believe his doctrine, and to be in all things conformed to his Word and to his Spirit.How is his yoke easy? 1) He knows the correct path, the one that will provide the real reward. 2) Our burdens are shared with a God 3) We are provided peace not of this world but of the world to come when we share his yoke. 4) It is easier than the alternative. ] and my burden is light. [ It is interesting that sometimes we can have dual meaning in the words of the scriptures. While we know here that we are talking about burdens so we are given the reference point of weight. But if we look at this verse a little differently if we are yoked to him, he who is the light of the world then our burden is the same as his is - we are to be lights to the world. Our burden is to provide light. To share the knowledge and light that we have with the world. ]