²⁴ When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the crowd concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? ²⁵ If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Now those who are splendidly clothed and live luxuriously are in royal palaces. ²⁶ What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet.