24
When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
25
But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings' courts.
26
But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.
27
This is he of whom it is written: 'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.'
28
For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
29
And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John.
30
But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.
31
And the Lord said, "To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like?
32
They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: 'We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not weep.'
33
For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.'
34
The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'