9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.a 10 This is the one about whom it is written:

See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;

he will prepare your way before you.A,b

11 “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared,B 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,C and the violent have been seizing it by force.