Matthew 11:7-17

Appeal of John’s ministry

7 When John's disciples had gone, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John: “What did you go out to the wilderness to see? A stalk blowing in the wind?
8 What did you go out to see? A man dressed up in refined clothes? Look, those who wear refined clothes are in royal palaces.
9 What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
10 He is the one of whom it is written: Look, I'm sending my messenger before you, who will prepare your way before you.

Significance of John’s ministry

11 “I assure you that no one who has ever been born is greater than John the Baptist. Yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven is violently attacked as violent people seize it.
13 All the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John came.
14 If you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.
15 Let the person who has ears, hear.

This generation

16 " To what will I compare this generation? It is like a child sitting in the marketplaces calling out to others,
17 ‘We played the flute for you and you didn't dance. We sang a funeral song and you didn't mourn.'

Footnotes 1

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