24 After the messengers from John had left, Jesus began telling the crowd, "About John: what did you expect to see when you went out to meet him in the desert? Some reed blown about by the wind? 25 Did you come looking for a man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who have stylish clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces. 26 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes he is, and I’m telling you, he’s much more than a prophet.

27 It was written about him in Scripture: ‘Look, I’m sending my messenger to go before you to prepare your way.’*7:27. Quoting Malachi 3:1. 28 I tell you, no one born of women is greater than John, but even the most unimportant person in God’s kingdom is greater than he is!" 29 When they heard him, all of them—even the tax collectors—followed what God said was good and right, for they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and the religious teachers rejected what God wanted them to do, for they had refused to be baptized by John.