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 kings' 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.'Malachi 3:1

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.

16. "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions

17. and say, 'We played the flute for you, and you didn't dance. We mourned for you, and you didn't lament.'

18. For JOHN came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'

19. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children."

24. When JOHN's messengers had departed, he began to tell the multitudes about JOHN,"What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

25. But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

26. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.

27. This is he of whom it is written,'Behold, I send my messenger before your face,who will prepare your way before you.'Malachi 3:1

28. "For I tell you, among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet than JOHN the Baptizer, yet he who is least in God's Kingdom is greater than he."

29. When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they declared God to be just, having been baptized with JOHN's baptism.

30. But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the counsel of God, not being baptized by him themselves.

31. "To what then will I liken the people of this generation? What are they like?

32. They are like children who sit in the marketplace, and call to one another, saying, 'We piped to you, and you didn't dance. We mourned, and you didn't weep.'

33. For JOHN the Baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.'