As John’s preaching increasingly proclaimed the coming of the Messiah, the religious powers took notice. Most likely because John wouldn’t respond to their summons, they sent a delegation to question him on this hot August day. Forced to identify his role, John denies that he is the reincarnated Elijah, though he exercises Elijah’s role. Apparently, this delegation came to John the Baptist just after Jesus returned from the wilderness, for John the Apostle tells us that Jesus is again seen the day after these questions.

Initially, John’s preaching held an additional element. Along with the call to repentance, John called Israel to seek the one coming who was greater than he was. Surely, this emphasis grew as Shavu’ot, also known as Pentecost, drew nearer. Depending on the crops, this would have been in mid to late June, 29 A.D. Thus, in the early summer of 29 A.D., those who came to hear John at the Jordan River began to look for the prophet he foretold.