12
But from the time of John the Baptist till now, the Kingdom of the Heavens has been suffering violent assault, and the violent have been seizing it by force.
13
For all the Prophets and the Law taught until John.
14
And (if you are willing to receive it) he is the Elijah who was to come.
15
Listen, every one who has ears!
16
"But to what shall I compare the present generation? It is like children sitting in the open places, who call to their playmates.
17
"`We have played the flute to you,' they say, `and you have not danced: we have sung dirges, and you have not beaten your breasts.'
18
"For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, `He has a demon.'
19
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they exclaim, `See this man! --given to gluttony and tippling, and a friend of tax-gatherers and notorious sinners!' And yet Wisdom is vindicated by her actions."
20
Then began He to upbraid the towns where most of His mighty works had been done--because they had not repented.
21
"Alas for thee, Chorazin!" He cried. "Alas for thee, Bethsaida! For had the mighty works been done in Tyre and Sidon which have been done in both of you, they would long ere now have repented, covered with sackcloth and ashes.
22
Only I tell you that it will be more endurable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of Judgement than for you.