John 1:19-24

19The Jewish leaders sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask John, ‘Who are you?’

20John did not refuse to answer. He said, ‘I am not the Messiah.’

21So they asked him, ‘So who are you? Are you Elijah?’ John said, ‘No, I am not.’ They asked, ‘Are you the Prophet?’ John answered, ‘No.’

22Then they said, ‘Tell us who you are. We must say something to the people who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’

23He said, ‘I am the voice of somebody shouting in the wilderness: “The Lord will come soon. Make a straight path for him to follow.” That is what the prophet Isaiah said a long time ago.’

24The men who came to ask these questions were Pharisees.