9
But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet.
10
This is the one it is written about: Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You; he will prepare Your way before You.
11
"I assure you: Among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been suffering violence, and the violent have been seizing it by force.
13
For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John;
14
if you're willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come.
15
Anyone who has ears should listen!
An Unresponsive Generation
16 "To what should I compare this generation? It's like children sitting in the marketplaces who call out to each other:
17
We played the flute for you, but you didn't dance; we sang a lament, but you didn't mourn!
18
For John did not come eating or drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon!'
19
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds."