⁷ As John’s^(A) disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness^(B) to see? A reed swayed by the wind? ⁸ If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. ⁹ Then what did you go out to see? A prophet?^(C) Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰ This is the one about whom it is written:

² as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

⁴ And so John the Baptist^(C) appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance^(D) for the forgiveness of sins.^(E)

²⁴ After John’s messengers left, 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? ²⁵ If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. ²⁶ But what did you go out to see? A prophet?^(A) Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ²⁷ This is the one about whom it is written: