²⁴ And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind?

²⁵ But what went ye out to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

²⁶ But what went ye out to see? a prophet? Yea, I say unto 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 I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there is none greater than John: yet he that is but little in the kingdom of God is greater than he.