7. And as these went their way, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind?
8. But what went ye out for to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft raiment are in kings' houses.
9. But wherefore went ye out? to see a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
10. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way before thee.
11. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist: yet he that is but little in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and men of violence take it by force.
13. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14. And if ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come.
15. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
16. But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the marketplaces, which call unto their fellows,
17. and say, We piped unto you, and ye did not dance; we wailed, and ye did not mourn.
18. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.