^{2 Ref} Now when John had news in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples

^{3 Ref} To say to him, Are you he who is to come, or are we waiting for another?

⁴ And Jesus, answering, said to them, Go and give news to John of the things which you are seeing and hearing:

^{5 Ref} The blind see; those who were not able to, are walking; lepers are made clean; those who were without hearing, now have their ears open; the dead come to life again, and the poor have the good news given to them.

^{6 Ref} And a blessing will be on him who has no doubts about me.

^{7 Ref} And when they were going away, Jesus, talking of John, said to all the people, What went you out into the waste land to see? a tall stem moving in the wind?

^{8 Ref} But what went you out to see? a man delicately clothed? Those who have fair robes are in kings' houses.

^{9 Ref} But why did you go out? to see a prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

^{10 Ref} This is he of whom it has been said, See, I send my servant before your face, who will make ready your way before you.

^{11 Ref} Truly I say to you, Among the sons of women there has not been a greater than John the Baptist: but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

^{12 Ref} And from the days of John the Baptist till now, the kingdom of heaven is forcing its way in, and men of force take it.

^{13 Ref} For all the prophets and the law were in force till John.

^{14 Ref} And if you are able to see it, this is Elijah who was to come.

^{15 Ref} He who has ears, let him give ear.

^{16 Ref} But what comparison may I make of this generation? It is like children seated in the market-places, crying out to one another,

^{17 Ref} We made music for you and you did not take part in the dance; we gave cries of sorrow and you made no signs of grief.

^{18 Ref} For John came, taking no food or drink, and they say, He has an evil spirit.