24 After John's messengers had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wild country to look at? A reed shaken by the wind?

25 But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? Indeed, the people in splendid clothing and living in luxury are in kings' palaces.

26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

27 For this is he about whom it was written, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will make ready your way before you.'

28 I tell you there is not among those born of women a greater than John. But an inferior in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

29 (All the people, even the tax collectors when they heard him, had confessed that God was right by being baptized with the baptism of John.

30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers had thwarted the purpose of God in reference to themselves by not being baptized by him.)