²⁶ But what did you go out to see? A prophet?^(A) Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

⁶ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people^(A) will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet.”^(B)

³⁵ John was a lamp that burned and gave light,^(A) and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

²⁶ They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi,^(A) that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified^(B) about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

²⁷ To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. ²⁸ You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’^{(C) 29} The bride belongs to the bridegroom.^(D) The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.^{(E) 30} He must become greater; I must become less.”^[a]

Additional Teachings

¹⁶ “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John.^(A) Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached,^(B) and everyone is forcing their way into it.

⁹ Then what did you go out to see? A prophet?^(A) Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰ This is the one about whom it is written:

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,^[b] and violent people have been raiding it. ¹³ For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.^{(D) 14} And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.^(E)