New International Version John 1:1-10, 15 Matthew 11:2-4, 7, 9-11 New International Version

ALL In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; MEN He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

ALL In him was life; and that life was the light of all mankind.

The light shines in the darkness, WOMEN The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. MEN There was a man sent from God whose name was John.

WOMEN He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. MEN The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

The true light … was in the world, ALL The true light … was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.

Ladies … John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, Men “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ”

[Later, when John was in prison for speaking the Truth to Herod, he] CHOIR [Later, when John was in prison for speaking the Truth to Herod, he] heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, MEN “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

“Go back and report to John what you hear and see: CHOIR MEN Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: CHOIR As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John:

ALL “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? … A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: MEN ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’

among those born of women there has not risen Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” end