7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out ffinto the wilderness to see? gA reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? hA prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, iBehold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are kborn of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 lAnd from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven ||suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 lFor all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is mElias, which was for to come. 15 nHe that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

16 oBut whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their oofellows, 17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have pmourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. 18 For John came neither qeating nor rdrinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, sa friend of sspublicans and sinners. But wisdom tis justified uof vher children.

20 wThen began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: