12. Since the days of John the Baptist, the kingdom of heaven has been advancing with force. And forceful people are taking hold of it.
13. All the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John came.
14. If you are willing to accept it, John is the Elijah who was supposed to come.
15. Those who have ears should listen.
16. "What can I compare today's people to? They are like children sitting in the market places and calling out to others. They say,
17. " 'We played the flute for you. But you didn't dance. We sang a funeral song. But you didn't become sad.'
18. When John came, he didn't eat or drink as you do. And people say, 'He has a demon.'
19. But when the Son of Man came, he ate and drank as you do. And people say, 'This fellow is always eating and drinking far too much. He's a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' Those who act wisely prove that wisdom is right."
20. Jesus began to speak against the cities where he had done most of his miracles. The people there had not turned away from their sins. So he said,
21. "How terrible it will be for you, Korazin! How terrible for you, Bethsaida! Suppose the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon. They would have turned away from their sins long ago. They would have put on black clothes. They would have sat down in ashes.