John 1:19–23 marks the beginning of the narrative proper in the Gospel of John. The Apostle now shifts from theological prologue to historical testimony. Here, John the Baptist is formally introduced in his public ministry as the voice preparing the way for the Lord. This passage is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy and highlights John’s self-understanding: not as the Christ, not as Elijah in person, but as the forerunner. His humility and prophetic clarity serve as a model for gospel ministry, pointing entirely to the coming Christ.
“And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’ So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.’”
(John 1:19–23, ESV)
John 1:19 — “And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’”
Cross References:
- Malachi 3:1 – “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.”
- Matthew 3:5–6 – “Then Jerusalem and all Judea… were going out to him…”
- Luke 3:15 – “As the people were in expectation…”
The phrase “this is the testimony of John” connects this moment with the prologue’s emphasis on John’s role as a witness (John 1:7–8). The delegation from Jerusalem—priests and Levites—signifies official religious scrutiny from the Jewish establishment. John’s public impact has provoked attention from the Sanhedrin, the religious authorities, who must investigate.
The term “the Jews” in John’s Gospel often refers to the religious leadership, not the nation as a whole. They come not with curiosity, but with concern and potential opposition. Their first and central question is theological and political: “Who are you?”—as in, What role or authority do you claim?
This scene unfolds like a courtroom, with John delivering a legal testimony not about himself, but about Christ.
John 1:20 — “He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’”
Cross References:
- Luke 3:16 – “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming…”
- Acts 13:25 – “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he.”
- John 3:28 – “I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.”
This is a deliberate threefold emphasis: “he confessed,” “did not deny,” “but confessed.” John’s denial of messianic identity is clear and absolute. In a time when messianic expectations were high (cf. John 6:15), John refuses to receive the glory that belongs only to Christ.
This confession is a model of humility and theological clarity. John knows who he is not, before he declares who he is. His denial sets the stage for exalting Christ. He is not a savior—he is a signpost.
John 1:21 — “And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’”
Cross References:
- Malachi 4:5 – “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet…”
- Deuteronomy 18:15 – “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me…”
- Matthew 11:14 – “If you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.”
The religious leaders now probe whether John claims to be Elijah, or the Prophet promised by Moses. These expectations were widespread: Elijah was to return before the Day of the LORD (Malachi 4:5), and a Prophet like Moses would arise (Deuteronomy 18:15).
John denies both, though Jesus later identifies him as fulfilling Elijah’s role (Matthew 11:14; Luke 1:17). John likely means he is not Elijah literally, nor is he the Prophet in the sense of a second Moses. Again, John does not assert himself, but preserves the singularity of Christ’s role.
This dialogue highlights the misunderstanding of Scripture by the leaders and the distinctiveness of John’s mission.
John 1:22 — “So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’”
Cross References:
- Isaiah 40:3 – “A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD…’”
- Matthew 3:3 – “For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah…”
The persistence of the delegation reflects the urgency of John’s impact. His baptizing, preaching, and drawing of crowds demand explanation. They seek not only information but authorization. John is forced to speak about himself—but only in order to exalt another.
John 1:23 — “He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.’”
Cross References:
- Isaiah 40:3 – “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD…”
- Luke 1:76 – “…you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways…”
- Mark 1:2–4 – “Behold, I send my messenger before your face…”
John finally answers—not with titles or claims, but with Scripture. He quotes Isaiah 40:3, identifying himself as the voice, not the Word; the herald, not the King. His mission is preparatory: to call for repentance and spiritual readiness.
In Isaiah, the call is to prepare the way for Yahweh. By applying this to Jesus, John is not only fulfilling prophecy but affirming the deity of Christ. He prepares the way for God Himself.
This is also a typological echo of Exodus imagery: just as God led His people through the wilderness into promise, now Christ will lead the new exodus—from sin to life.
Summary for Discipleship & Teaching
John the Baptist’s testimony in these verses teaches disciples the heart of gospel ministry:
- Know who you are not (you are not the Christ).
- Know who you are in God’s calling (a voice, a servant).
- Point always and only to Christ.
His humility and scriptural clarity reveal a prophet who refuses self-glory and insists on exalting the coming Messiah. His ministry is shaped by truth, Scripture, and a Christ-centered vision. For teaching, this passage emphasizes preparation, clarity of calling, and the urgency of repentance in light of God’s arrival in Christ.
God always sends a messenger before a major movement of redemption. In John, the long-awaited prophecy is fulfilled—the voice has spoken, the Lord is near.
Outline: John 1:19–23 (ESV)
The following information is intended for preparation.
Scripture (ESV):
19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”
21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”
22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”
1. The Inquiry About John (vv. 19–20)
- “The Jews sent priests and Levites… to ask him, ‘Who are you?’” — Religious leaders investigated John’s identity and mission.
- 📖 Cross Reference: Luke 3:15 — “All were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ.”
- “He confessed… ‘I am not the Christ.’” — John clearly denied being the Messiah.
- Key Idea: John’s identity was questioned, but he made his role clear.
- Key Words:testimony, who are you, not the Christ
2. Clarifying Misconceptions (v. 21)
- “Are you Elijah?”… “I am not.” — He denies being Elijah in the literal sense.
- “Are you the Prophet?”… “No.” — Refuses the title linked to Deuteronomy 18:15.
- 📖 Cross Reference: Deuteronomy 18:15 — “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet…”
- Key Idea: John denies being the expected figures of messianic prophecy.
- Key Words:Elijah, the Prophet, No
3. Declaring His True Role (vv. 22–23)
- “What do you say about yourself?” — The leaders press him for a direct answer.
- “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness” — John identifies as the forerunner, not the Messiah.
- “Make straight the way of the Lord” — His mission is to prepare people for the coming of Jesus.
- 📖 Cross Reference: Isaiah 40:3 — “A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord…’”
- Key Idea: John fulfills prophecy by preparing the way for the Lord.
- Key Words:voice, wilderness, make straight, Isaiah
Moe Bergeron 
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