18

And the disciples of John gave him an account of all these things.

19

Then John sent two of his disciples to the Lord, saying, Are you he who is to come, or are we waiting for another?

20

And when the men came to him they said, John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, Are you he who is to come, or are we waiting for another?

21

At that time, he made a number of people free from their diseases and their pains, and from evil spirits and to others who were blind he gave back the use of their eyes.

22

And answering them he said, Go back and give news to John of what you have seen, and the things which have come to your ears the blind now see, those who had no power in their legs are walking, lepers are made clean, those who had no hearing now have their ears open, dead men come to life again, and the poor have the good news given to them.

23

And a blessing will be on him who has no doubts about me.

24

And when the men who were sent by John had gone away, he said to the people, about John, What did you go out into the waste land to see? a tall stem moving in the wind?

25

But what did you go out to see? a man in soft clothing? See now, those who have beautiful clothing and delicate food are in kings' houses.

26

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

27

This is he of whom it has been said, See, I send my servant before your face, who will make ready your way before you.

28

I say to you, Among all the sons of women, not one is greater than John: but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

29

(And all the people, and the tax-farmers, to whom John had given baptism, when they had knowledge of these things, gave glory to God.

30

But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were against the purpose of God for themselves, not having had his baptism.)

31

What comparison am I to make of the men of this generation? what are they like?

32

They are like children who are seated in the market-place, crying out to one another, and saying, We made music for you, but you did not take part in the dance we gave cries of sorrow, but you were not sad.

33

For John the Baptist came, taking no food or drink, and you say, He has an evil spirit.

34

The Son of man came feasting, and you say, Here is a lover of food and wine, a friend of tax-farmers and sinners.

35

But wisdom is judged to be right by all her children.

36

And one of the Pharisees made a request that he would take a meal with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house and took his seat at the table.

37

And there was a woman in the town who was a sinner and when she had news that he was a guest in the Pharisee's house, she took a bottle of perfume,

38

And went in and took her place at the back of him, near his feet, weeping, so that his feet were washed with the drops from her eyes, and with her hair she made them dry, and kissing his feet she put the perfume on them.

39

Now when the Pharisee in whose house he was saw it, he said to himself, This man, if he was a prophet, would be conscious what sort of woman this is who has put her hands on him, that she is a sinner.

40

And Jesus, answering, said, Simon, I have something to say to you. And he said, Master, say on.

41

And he said, Two men were in debt to a certain man of business: one had a debt of five hundred pence, and the other of fifty.

42

When they were unable to make payment, he made the two of them free of their debts. Which of them, now, will have the greater love for him?

43

Simon, in answer, said, It seems he whose debt was greater. And he said, Your decision is right.

44

And turning to the woman he said to Simon, You see this woman? I came into your house you did not give me water for my feet: but she has been washing my feet with the drops from her eyes, and drying them with her hair.

45

You did not give me a kiss: but she, from the time when I came in, has gone on kissing my feet.

46

You put no oil on my head: but she has put perfume on my feet.

47

And so I say to you, She will have forgiveness for her sins which are great in number, because of her great love: but he who has small need of forgiveness gives little love.

48

And he said to her, You have forgiveness for your sins.

49

And those who were seated at table with him said to themselves, Who is this who even gives forgiveness of sins?

50

And he said to the woman, By your faith you have salvation go in peace.