7
As they departed, 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?
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But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
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But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.
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For this is he of whom it is written: 'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.'
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"Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
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And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.
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For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
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And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come.
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He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
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But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions,
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and saying: 'We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not lament.'