24 And, the messengers having departed, he began to say unto the multitudes, concerning JohnWhat went ye forth into the desert to gaze at? A reed, by a wind, shaken?

25 But what went ye forth to see? A man, in soft garments, arrayed? Lo! they who in splendid apparel and luxury are found, are, in the kingly courts.

26 But what went ye forth to see? A prophet? Yea! I say unto you,and abundantly more than a prophet.

27 This, is he concerning whom it is writtenLo! I am sending forth my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.

28 I say unto youA greater, among them that are born of women, than John, is there none; but, he that is least in the kingdom of God, is greater than he.

29 And, all the people, when they heard, and the tax-collectors, justified God, having been immersed with the immersion of John;

30 but, the Pharisees and the lawyers, had set aside, the counsel of God against themselves, not being immersed by him.