Lucas 7

24 When John’s messengers left, Jesus began speaking to the crowds about John: "What did you go out to the wilderness to see? *7:24 I.e. something too ordinary to be of any interest.A reed shaken by the wind?25 But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing [entirely unsuited for the harsh wilderness]? Those who wear splendid clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces!26 But what did you [really] go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one *7:26 John was unique among the prophets because he was sent to prepare the hearts of the people for the immediate disclosure of their Messiah.far more [eminent and remarkable] than a prophet [who foretells the future]. 27 This is the one of whom it is written [by the prophet Malachi],

‘Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You,

Who will prepare Your way before You.’ [Mal 3:1]

28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater [in privilege] than he."29 All the people and the tax collectors who heard Jesus, acknowledged [the validity of] God’s justice, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers [who were experts in the Mosaic Law] annulled and set aside God’s purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John.