³⁵ He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.

¹⁹ We have the more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the day star arises in your hearts:

²⁶ But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet."

¹⁵ What was the blessing you enjoyed? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.

¹⁶ So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?

⁶⁶ At this, many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

⁷ The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him.

⁸ He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light.

²⁸ "For I tell you, among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptizer, yet he who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he."

⁷⁶ And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, For you will go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways,

⁷⁷ To give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins,

¹⁵ For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.

¹⁶ He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God.

¹⁷ He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

²⁰ for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly.

²⁰ What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it;

²¹ yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

¹¹ Most assuredly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.

⁷ As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

⁸ But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in king's houses.

⁹ But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.

⁵ Then people from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him.

⁶ They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

⁷ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

³¹ They come to you as the people comes, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but don't do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their gain.