Matthew 11:11-15
Chapter 11
11
I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has ever been born of women, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven is something to be conquered, and the violent take it by force.
13
All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John.
14
And if you trust me, John truly is that Elijah whose return was foretold.
15
Let anyone with ears listen!
Commentaries
About John the Baptist.
When Matthew discusses the Baptist, he often speaks indirectly to his followers, who, even decades later, had not yet decided to join the Christian community. Jesus responds about his identity and mission not by theorizing but by showing miracles and signs performed for the poor and the excluded (8f), in which the echoes of the prophecies are heard (Is 35:5f; 61:11). Those who reject him violently oppose his messengers, as is happening in the communities Matthew is addressing; it continues today and will always be so.