Matthew 11:2–14

²John was in prison. When he heard what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to him. ³They asked Jesus, “Are you the one who was supposed to come? Or should we look for someone else?”

⁴Jesus replied, “Go back to John. Report to him what you hear and see. ⁵Blind people receive sight. Disabled people walk. Those who have skin diseases are healed. Deaf people hear. Those who are dead are raised to life. And the good news is preached to those who are poor. ⁶Blessed are those who do not give up their faith because of me.”

⁷As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John. He said, “What did you go out into the desert to see? Tall grass waving in the wind? ⁸If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No. People who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. ⁹Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰He is the one written about in Scripture. It says,

“ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you.

He will prepare your way for you.’

¹¹“What I’m about to tell you is true. No one more important than John the Baptist has ever been born. But the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is more important than he is. ¹²Since the days of John the Baptist, the kingdom of heaven has been advancing with force. And forceful people are taking hold of it. ¹³All the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John came. ¹⁴If you are willing to accept it, John is the Elijah who was supposed to come.