24 When the messengers of John had departed, he began to speak to the crowds concerning John: »What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

25 What then did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings' courts.

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

27 This is he of whom it is written: Behold, I send my messenger before your face,who will prepare your way before you.

28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.«

29 (And when they heard him, all the people, even the tax collectors, justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John.

30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)