Then some people came to find Jesus, for the chiefs of the priests took counsel among themselves to catch him in his talk. Wherefore, they sent the Levites and some of the scribes to question him, saying, "Who are you? Are you the Messiah?"

Jesus answered, "I am not the Messiah." They said, "Are you Elijah or Jeremiah, or any of the ancient prophets?" Jesus answered, "No." Then they said, "Who are you? Say, in order that we may give testimony to those who sent us." Jesus answered, "I am a voice that cries through all Judea, 'Prepare the way for the messenger of the Lord.'"

They said, "If you are neither the Messiah nor Elijah, why do you preach new doctrine, and make yourself of more account than the Messiah?" Jesus answered, "The miracles which God works by my hands show that I speak what God wants; and indeed, I do not make myself to be accounted as him of whom you speak. I am not the Messenger of God, whom you called the Messiah, who was made before me, and will come after me, and will bring the words of truth, so that his faith has no end."

The Levites and scribes departed in confusion, and recounted all to the chiefs of the priests. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you that the chiefs and the elders of our people seek occasion against me."

Then Peter said, "Therefore, do not go any more into Jerusalem." Jesus answered to him, "You do not know what you say, for it is necessary that I should suffer many persecutions, because so have suffered all the prophets and holy one of God. However, do not be afraid, for there are those who are with us and those who are against us."