John: Mission of

Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.” …

…for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. …

And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, …

…as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. …

He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe.

He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’”

So they said to him, “Who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” …

I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.” …

There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid. …

Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’

Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”