JOHN THE BAPTIST IS QUESTIONED BY THE JEWS

READ JOHN 1:19-28

19-21) Why did the Jews ask John if he was the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet?
In the Old Testament the Christ or Messiah is referenced as the Anointed One. (See Isaiah 61:1) Prophets, Priests, and Kings were considered as anointed by God and Jesus is all three; Prophet, Priest and King. Is John the Baptist the Anointed One. John's answer? NO!
In the Old Testament Elijah was a Prophet who was to return to earth. (See Malachi 4:5) Is John the Baptist Elijah? John's answer? NO!
In the Old Testament the prophet was mentioned by Moses as the one who will come in the future, "...a prophet like me from among you." (See Deut. 18:15) Is John the Baptist this prophet? John's answer? NO!
22-24) If are not the Christ, the Prophet, Elijah, than John who are you?
John's answer? "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord!" (See Isaiah 40:3)
MAKE STRAIGHT means to make level or plain
THE WAY means to remove the hindrances to the journey.
When making a road trip, the way to get to your destination is planned out. You check the correct highways to take and perhaps you check to make sure there are no road blocks or construction that would hinder your way. You want to have a clear understanding of how to successfully complete you trip. John was doing the same thing here. He was preparing the way for the Lord to come without any hindrances for the people to realize that Jesus is the Anointed One, the True Messiah.
25-28) But John, why is it that you are baptizing if you are not the Prophet, Elijah, ro the Christ?
John's answer? I baptise in water, but the One who comes after me is much greater than me. Let me express this farther, I am unworthy to untie the sandal of this man. He is among you, yet you do not know Him.
HE IS AMONG YOU, DO YOU KNOW HIM?