The leaders of the people in Jerusalem did not believe the words of John and were not baptized by him. They did not know exactly what to think of him, and they sent some priests and others to see him. These men came and asked him:
"Who are you? Are you the Christ, the promised King?"
"No," answered John, "I am not the Christ."
"What then?" said they. "Are you Elijah the prophet come to earth again, as some people say you are?"
"No," answered John again, "I am not Elijah."
"Well, then," they said, "tell us who you are, so that we can give an answer to the rulers who have sent us."
And John said:
"In the book of the prophet Isaiah it is written, 'The Voice of him that cries in the desert: prepare ye the way of the Lord, make a straight path before him.' I am that voice to speak to the people and make them ready for the King, who is even now among you, although you do not know him, and who will soon make himself known."