7As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?8If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces.9Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
10This is the one about whom it is written:“ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,who will prepare your way before you.’Mal. 3:111Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.