^{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?