7As John’s disciples were leaving, 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?
8Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces.
9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
10This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’
11Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subject to violence, and the violent lay claim to it.
13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.
14And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
15He who has ears, let him hear.
16To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
17‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’
19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”