This [man] came for a testimony, so that he might testify concerning the Light, so that all through him might believe.

He was not that Light, but [was sent] so that he might testify concerning the Light.

"Assuredly I say to you, among [those] born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

For he shall be great before the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, while still in his mother's womb.

And he himself 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 righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

"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."

And we have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed, as a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

From this [time] many of His disciples turned back and no longer would walk with Him.

They approach you as a people that come together, and sit before you, and hear your words, but they will not do them; for [there is] falsehood in their mouth, and their heart [goes] after their pollutions.

Then Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him

But seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

Now as these men were going, Jesus began to say to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

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

But the [seed] sown on stony ground, is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;

yet he has no root in himself, but is short-lived. For when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

"But if we should say, 'From men,' we fear the crowd, for all consider John as a prophet."

for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he was protecting him. And when he heard him, he did many things, but he would hear him gladly.

What then was your blessing? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have torn out your own eyes and given them to me!

Have I therefore become your enemy by speaking the truth to you?