8
No? Then what did you go out to see? Someone who was well dressed? Well-dressed people live in kings' palaces.
9
Nu, so why did you go out? To see a prophet! Yes! and I tell you he's much more than a prophet.
10
This is the one about whom the Tanakh says, `See, I am sending out my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.'
11
Yes! I tell you that among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than Yochanan the Immerser! Yet the one who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he!
12
From the time of Yochanan the Immerser until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been suffering violence; yes, violent ones are trying to snatch it away.
13
For all the prophets and the Torah prophesied until Yochanan.
14
Indeed, if you are willing to accept it, he is Eliyahu, whose coming was predicted.
15
If you have ears, then hear!
16
"Oh, what can I compare this generation with? They're like children sitting in the marketplaces, calling out to each other,
17
`We made happy music, but you wouldn't dance! We made sad music, but you wouldn't cry!'
18
For Yochanan came, fasting, not drinking -- so they say, `He has a demon.'