God’s Kingdom Advances

^[1] After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. ^[2] When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples ^[3] to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” ^[4] Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: ^[5] The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. ^[6] Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” ^[7] As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? ^[8] If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. ^[9] Then 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: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ ^[11] Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ^[12] From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. ^[13] For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. ^[14] And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. ^[15] Whoever has ears, let them hear. ^[16] “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: ^[17] “‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ ^[18] For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ ^[19] The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”

Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.