¹⁷

And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.

¹⁸

Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things.

¹⁹

And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"

²⁰

When the men had come to Him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, 'Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?' "

²¹

And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight.

²²

Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.

²³

And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.

²⁴

When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

²⁵

But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings' courts.

²⁶

But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

²⁷

This is he of whom it is written: 'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.'

²⁸

For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

²⁹

And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John.

³⁰

But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.