24 When Johns messengers were gone he began to speak to the crowds about John, saying, "What went out you out to the desert to behold? A reed shaken by the wind?
25 "But what you went out to behold? A man clothed in soft robes? Behold, men who are gorgeously dressed and live in luxury are in kings palaces.
26 "But what went you to see? A prophet?
27 "Yes, I tell you and more than a prophet. This is he who it is written. "Behold I send a messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way before thee.
28 "I tell you that among all that are born of women not one is greater than John; yet he that is little in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
29 On hearing this all the people and the tax-gatherers acknowledged the justice of God by being baptized with the baptism of John;
30 but the Pharisees and lawyers who had refused his baptism, frustrated Gods purpose for themselves.