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Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
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He is the one written about in Scripture. It says, " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare your way for you.' (Malachi 3:1)
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"What I'm about to tell you is true. No one more important than John the Baptist has ever been born. But the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is more important than he is.
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Since the days of John the Baptist, the kingdom of heaven has been advancing with force. And forceful people are taking hold of it.
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All the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John came.
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If you are willing to accept it, John is the Elijah who was supposed to come.
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Those who have ears should listen.
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"What can I compare today's people to? They are like children sitting in the market places and calling out to others. They say,
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" 'We played the flute for you. But you didn't dance. We sang a funeral song. But you didn't become sad.'
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When John came, he didn't eat or drink as you do. And people say, 'He has a demon.'
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But when the Son of Man came, he ate and drank as you do. And people say, 'This fellow is always eating and drinking far too much. He's a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' Those who act wisely prove that wisdom is right."