Jesus Praises John the Baptist

Matthew 11

Matthew11:7 Then, after they departed, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

Matthew11:8 So what did you go out to see? A man in soft garments? Behold, those who are clothed in soft garments are in the houses of kings.

Matthew11:9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Matthew11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send my Angel before your face, who shall prepare your way before you.’

Matthew11:11 Amen I say to you, among those born of women, there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Matthew11:12 But from the days of John the Baptist, even until now, the kingdom of heaven has endured violence, and the violent carry it away.

Matthew11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied, even until John.

Matthew11:14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah, who is to come.

Matthew11:15 Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.

Matthew11:16 But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplace,

Matthew11:17 who, calling out to their companions, say: ‘We played music for you, and you did not dance. We lamented, and you did not mourn.’

Matthew11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking; and they say, ‘He has a demon.’

Matthew11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking; and they say, ‘Behold, a man who eats voraciously and who drinks wine, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is justified by her sons.”