Luke 7:26

But what went ye out to see? a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

Significantly, these eulogistic remarks were spoken by Jesus after John's disciples had departed, and were therefore offered for the enlightenment of the multitude, and not for any purpose of flattering John. John was more than a prophet in that he was the herald of the Christ, a man of the most magnificent spiritual dimensions.