⁷ As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

⁸ But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in king's houses.

⁹ But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.

¹⁰ For this is he, of whom it is written, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'

¹¹ Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.

¹² From the days of John the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

¹³ For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

¹⁴ If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.

¹⁵ He who has ears to hear, let him hear.