11. I tell you the truth: John the Baptist is greater than any other man who has ever lived. But even the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John.
12. Since the time John the Baptist came until now, the kingdom of heaven has been going forward in strength. People using force have been trying to take the kingdom.
13. All the prophets and the law of Moses spoke until the time John came. They told about the things that would happen.
14. And if you will believe the things the law and the prophets said, then you will believe that John is Elijah. The law and the prophets said he would come.
15. Let those with ears use them and listen!
16. “What can I say about the people who live today? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace. One group calls to the other,
17. ‘We played music for you, but you did not dance;we sang a sad song, but you did not cry.’
18. John came, and he did not eat like other people or drink wine. And people say, ‘He has a demon.’