1. When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their towns.
2. Now when John heard in prison about the deeds Christ had done, he sent his disciples to ask a question:
3. “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”
4. Jesus answered them, “Go tell John what you hear and see:
5. The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news proclaimed to them.
6. Blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”
7. While they were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
8. What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? Look, those who wear fancy clothes are in the homes of kings!
9. What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
10. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
11. “I tell you the truth, among those born of women, no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.
12. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and forceful people lay hold of it.