^{26 Ref} But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

^{27 Ref} This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

^{28 Ref} For I say unto 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.

^{29 Ref} And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

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