^{24 Ref} And when the men who were sent by John had gone away, he said to the people, about John, What did you go out into the waste land to see? a tall stem moving in the wind?

^{25 Ref} But what did you go out to see? a man in soft clothing? See now, those who have beautiful clothing and delicate food are in kings' houses.

^{26 Ref} But what did you go out to see? a prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

^{27 Ref} This is he of whom it has been said, See, I send my servant before your face, who will make ready your way before you.

^{28 Ref} I say to you, Among all the sons of women, not one is greater than John: but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

^{29 Ref} (And all the people, and the tax-farmers, to whom John had given baptism, when they had knowledge of these things, gave glory to God.

^{30 Ref} But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were against the purpose of God for themselves, not having had his baptism.)

^{31 Ref} What comparison am I to make of the men of this generation? what are they like?

^{24 Ref} When John's messengers had departed, he began to tell the multitudes about John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

^{25 Ref} But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

^{26 Ref} But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.

^{27 Ref} This is he of whom it is written, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, Who will prepare your way before you.'

^{28 Ref} "For I tell you, among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptizer, yet he who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he."

^{29 Ref} When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they declared God to be just, having been baptized with John's baptism.

^{30 Ref} But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the counsel of God, not being baptized by him themselves.

^{31 Ref} But the Lord said,{So reads TR. MT omits "But the Lord said,"} "To what then will I liken the people of this generation? What are they like?