²⁴ When John’s messengers left, Jesus began speaking to the crowds about John: “What did you go out to the wilderness to see? ^[a]A reed shaken by the wind? ²⁵ But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing [entirely unsuited for the harsh wilderness]? Those who wear splendid clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces! ²⁶ But what did you [really] go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one ^[b]far more [eminent and remarkable] than a prophet [who foretells the future].