5
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a]are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
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Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
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As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?
8
If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces.
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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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This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’[b]
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Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
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From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence,[c]and violent people have been raiding it.
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For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.
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And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.