2 When John,q who was in prison,r heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come,s or should we expect someone else?”

4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosyb are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.t 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”u

7 As John’sv disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wildernessw to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet?x Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:

“ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,y

who will prepare your way before you.’c z

11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.