As John's [the Baptist] 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?

          If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No those who wear fine clothes are in king's palaces.

                  Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you and more than a prophet.

                           This is the one about whom it is written: 'I will send My messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.

Truly 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."