was.

John 1:7, 8
He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. . . .

Matthew 11:11
Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Luke 1:15-17, 76, 77
for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb. . . .

Luke 7:28
I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John, yet even the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

2 Peter 1:19
We also have the message of the prophets, which has been confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to this message, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

and ye.

John 6:66
From that time on, many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.

Ezekiel 33:31
So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.

Matthew 3:5-7
People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan. . . .

Matthew 11:7-9
As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? . . .

Matthew 13:20, 21
The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and promptly receives it with joy. . . .

Matthew 21:26
But if we say, 'From men, ' we are afraid of the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet."

Mark 6:20
because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John's words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.

Galatians 4:15, 16
What then has become of your blessing? For I can testify that, if it were possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. . . .