6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers back toward sons,+ and the hearts of sons back toward fathers, so that I may not come and strike the earth, devoting it to destruction.”

7 While these were on their way, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see?+ A reed being tossed by the wind?+ 8 What, then, did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft garments?* Why, those wearing soft garments are in the houses of kings. 9 Really, then, why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet.+ 10 This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Look! I am sending my messenger* ahead of you,* who will prepare your way ahead of you!’+

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and he said: “See, the Lamb+ of God who takes away the sin+ of the world!+ 30 This is the one about whom I said: ‘Behind me there comes a man who has advanced in front of me, for he existed before me.’+ 31 Even I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing in water was so that he might be made manifest to Israel.”+