²⁴ And when the messengers of John had departed, he began to speak to the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

²⁵ But what went ye out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they who are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

²⁶ But what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet.

²⁷ This is he, concerning 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.