In Praise of John the Baptist
1 When Jesus had finished giving orders to His 12 disciples, He moved on from there to teach and preach in their towns.
2
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent [a message] by his disciples
3
and asked Him, "Are You the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"
4
Jesus replied to them, "Go and report to John what you hear and see:
5
the blind see, the lame walk, those with skin diseases are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news.
6
And if anyone is not offended because of Me, he is blessed."
7
As these men went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?
8
What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? Look, those who wear soft clothes are in kings' palaces.
9
But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet.
10
This is the one it is written about: Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You; he will prepare Your way before You.
11
"I assure you: Among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been suffering violence, and the violent have been seizing it by force.
13
For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John;
14
if you're willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come.
15
Anyone who has ears should listen!