24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he said to the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see?
25 A reed shaken by the wind? But what went ye out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold they that are splendidly apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings palaces.
26 But what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yea, 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 thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.
28 For I say to you, among those that are born of women, there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he that is least in the kingdom of God, is greater than he.
29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
30 But the Pharisees and scribes made void the counsel of God, toward themselves, being not baptized of him.