8. But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
9. But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.
10. For this is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’
11. Most certainly I tell you, amongst those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than Yochanan the Immerser; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.
12. From the days of Yochanan the Immerser until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.
13. For all the Prophets and the Torah prophesied until Yochanan.
14. 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 didn’t dance. We mourned for you, and you didn’t lament.’
18. For Yochanan came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
19. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”
20. Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they didn’t repent.