Matthew 11:7-19 - Jesus Speaks About John

⁷ And as these went their way, Jesus began to say to the crowds 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? Look, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. ⁹ But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. ¹⁰ This is the one of whom it is written, 'Look, I send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'

¹¹ Truly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. ¹² And from the days of John the Baptist 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 And 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 did not dance. We wailed in mourning, and you did not mourn.'

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, 'Look, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is justified by her actions."