24 And when the messengers of John had withdrawn, he began to speak about John to the crowds. "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
25 Then what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold, those who are in costly apparel and finery are in the houses of kings.
26 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Certainly, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
27 This is he of whom it is written: "Behold, I send my Angel before your face, who shall prepare your way before you."
28 For I say to you, among those born of women, no one is greater than the prophet John the Baptist. But he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
29 And upon hearing this, all the people and the tax collectors justified God, by being baptized with the baptism of John.
30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law despised the counsel of God concerning themselves, by not being baptized by him.