24 When John's messengers were departed, Jesus said to the multitude, concerning John, What did you go out into the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind?

25 But what did you go out to see? A man effeminately dressed? It is in royal palaces that they who wear splendid apparel, and live in luxury, are found.

26 What then did you go to see? a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and something superior to a prophet.

27 «For this is he, concerning whom it is written,'Behold, I send my messenger before you, who shall prepare your way.'»

28 For I declare to you, among those who are born of women, there is not a greater prophet than John the Immerser; yet, the least in the Reign of God is greater than he.

29 All the people, even the publicans, who heard John, have, by receiving immersion from him, honored God;

30 whereas, the Pharisees and the lawyers, in not being immersed by him, have rejected the counsel of God with regard to themselves.