24 And when the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the people concerning John. What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed with soft clothing? Behold, those in splendid clothing and being in luxury are in kings' palaces.

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

27 This is [he] of whom it is written, Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who shall prepare Your way before You.

28 For I say to you, Among [those] who are born of woman there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist. But he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

29 And all the people and the tax-collectors who heard [Him] justified God, being baptized [with] the baptism of John.

30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, not being baptized by him.