9
So why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, and I tell you, John is more than a prophet.
10
This was written about him: 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare the way for you.'
11
I tell you the truth, John the Baptist is greater than any other person ever born, but even the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John.
12
Since the time John the Baptist came until now, the kingdom of heaven has been going forward in strength, and people have been trying to take it by force.
13
All the prophets and the law of Moses told about what would happen until the time John came.
14
And if you will believe what they said, you will believe that John is Elijah, whom they said would come.
15
You people who can hear me, listen!
16
"What can I say about the people of this time? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace, who call out to each other,
17
'We played music for you, but you did not dance; we sang a sad song, but you did not cry.'
18
John came and did not eat or drink like other people. So people say, 'He has a demon.'
19
The Son of Man came, eating and drinking, and people say, 'Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much wine, and he is a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved to be right by what it does."