Matthew 11:7-19 - Jesus Speaks About John

⁷ And these going forth, Jesus began to say to the crowds concerning John, What went ye forth into the desert to see? A reed shaken by the wind? ⁸ But what went ye out to see? A man clad in soft garments? but they having soft things are in king's houses. ⁹ But what went ye out to see? A prophet? yes, I say to you, and more eminent than a prophet. ¹⁰ For this is he for whom it was Written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.

¹¹ Verily I say to you, in the begotten of women has there not risen a greater than John the Immerser; but the less in the kingdom of the heavens is greater than he. ¹² From the days of John the Immerser till now the kingdom of the heavens is achieved by force, and they committing violence seize it eagerly. ¹³ For all the prophets, And the law prophesied till John. ¹⁴ And if ye will receive, this is Elias he about to come. ¹⁵ He having ears to hear, let him hear.

¹⁶ To what shall I liken this generation I it is like little boys sitting in market-places, and calling to their companions,

¹⁷ And saying, We played the flute to you, and ye moved not; we lamented to you and ye lamented not.

¹⁸ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He has an evil spirit. ¹⁹ The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man a glutton, and wine drinker, a friend of publicans and sinful; and wisdom has been justified from her children.