In Praise of John the Baptist

11 When Jesus had finished giving orders to His 12 disciples, He moved on from there to teach and preach in their towns. m 2 When John heard in prison what the * Messiah was doing, he sent a message by his disciples n 3 and asked Him, “Are You the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” o

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, p the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news. q 6 And if anyone is not * offended because of Me, he is blessed.” r

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? s 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. t 10 This is the one it is written about:

Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You; u

he will prepare Your way before You. v w

11 “* I assure you: Among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared, x 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, y 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. z 15 Anyone who has ears a should listen! b