19This was John?s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants1:19 Greek and Levites. from Jerusalem to ask John, ?Who are you?? 20He came right out and said, ?I am not the Messiah.?
21?Well then, who are you?? they asked. ?Are you Elijah??
?No,? he replied.
?Are you the Prophet we are expecting??1:21 Greek Are you the Prophet? See Deut 18:15, 18; Mal 4:5-6.
?No.?
22?Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself??
23John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah:
?I am a voice shouting in the wilderness,
?Clear the way for the Lord?s coming!??1:23 Isa 40:3.
24Then the Pharisees who had been sent 25asked him, ?If you aren?t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize??
26John told them, ?I baptize with1:26 Or in; also in 1:31, 33. water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27Though his ministry follows mine, I?m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.?
28This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.