24 After John’s messengers left, he began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? See, those who are splendidly dressed and live in luxury are in royal palaces.26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet?* 7:26 Mt 14:5; Lk 1:76; 20:6Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.27 This is the one about whom it is written:

See, I am sending my messenger

ahead of you;

he will prepare your way before you.* 7:27 Mal 3:1,* 7:27 Mal 3:1; Mt 11:10; Mk 1:2; Lk 1:17

28 I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John,* 7:28 Other mss read women is not a greater prophet than John the Baptistbut the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

29 (And when all the people, including the tax collectors, heard this, they acknowledged God’s way of righteousness, because they had been baptized with John’s baptism.  * 7:29 Mt 21:32; Lk 3:12; Ac 18:25; 19:330 But since the Pharisees and experts in the law  * 7:30 Mt 22:35; Lk 10:25; 11:45–46,52; 14:3 had not been baptized by him, they rejected the plan of God for themselves.  * 7:30 Mt 21:25,32; 23:13; Mk 7:9)