Jesus Testifies about John

(Malachi 3:1–5, Matthew 11:7–19)

After John’s messengers[fn] had left, [Jesus] began to speak to the crowds about John:“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in [the] wind? 25 Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who [wear] elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces.

26 

What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written:

‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You

who will prepare Your way before You.’[fn]

28 

For I tell you, among [those] born of women there is no one greater prophet than John the Baptist,[fn] yet even the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

29 

All the people [who] heard [this], even the tax collectors, acknowledged God’s justice [For] they had received the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, [because] {they had} not been baptized by [John].

31 

“To what,[fn] then, can I compare the men of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in [the] marketplace and calling out to one another

‘We played the flute for you,

and vvv you did not dance;

we sang a dirge for you,[fn]

and vvv you did not weep.’

33 

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say,‘He has a demon!’ 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say,‘Look [at this] glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

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