24 When John's messengers were gone, He proceeded to say to the multitude concerning John, »What did you go out into the Desert to gaze at? A reed waving in the wind?

25 But what did you go out to see? A man wearing luxurious clothes? People who are gorgeously dressed and live in luxury are found in palaces.

26 But what did you go out to see? A Prophet? Aye, I tell you, and far more than a Prophet.

27 John is the man about whom it is written, See, I am sending My messenger before thy face, and he shall make ready thy way before thee.'

28 »I tell you that among all of women born there is not one greater than John. Yet one who is of lower rank in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.«

29 And all the people, including the tax-gatherers, when they listened to him upheld the righteousness of God, by being baptized with John's baptism.

30 But the Pharisees and expounders of the Law have frustrated God's purpose as to their own lives, by refusing to be baptized.