Jesus’ Tribute to John

7 As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out into athe wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

8 “1But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ 2palaces!

9 “1But what did you go out to see? aA prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet.

10 “This is the one about whom it 1is written,

‘aBehold, I send My messenger 2ahead of You,

Who will prepare Your way before You.’

11 “Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is 1least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

12 “aFrom the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven 1suffers violence, and violent men 2take it by force.

13 “For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John.

14 “And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is aElijah who 1was to come.

15 “aHe who has ears to hear, 1let him hear.