2. When John was in prison, he heard about the things that were happening—things the Messiah would do. So he sent some of his followers to Jesus.
3. They asked him, “Are you the one we have been expecting, or should we wait for someone else?”
4. Jesus answered, “Go tell John what you have heard and seen:
5. The blind can see. The crippled can walk. People with leprosy are healed. The deaf can hear. The dead are brought back to life. And the Good News is being told to the poor.
6. Great blessings belong to those who don’t have a problem accepting me.”
7. When John’s followers left, Jesus began talking to the people about John. He said, “What did you people go out to the desert to see? Someone who is weak, like a stem of grass blowing in the wind?
8. Really, what did you expect to see? Someone dressed in fine clothes? Of course not. People who wear fine clothes are all in kings’ palaces.
9. So what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, John is a prophet. But I tell you, he is more than that.
10. This Scripture was written about him: ‘Listen! I will send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you.’ Malachi 3:1
11. “The truth is that John the Baptizer is greater than anyone who has ever come into this world. But even the least important person in God’s kingdom is greater than John.
12. Since the time John the Baptizer came until now, God’s kingdom has been going forward strongly. And people have been trying to take control of it by force.
13. Before John came, the Law of Moses and all the prophets told about the things that would happen.
14. And if you believe what they said, then John is Elijah. He is the one they said would come.