Three times they ask who he is and each time John explains who he is not. No, no, no: I am not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet. John the Baptist even describes himself in a humiliating way. In an honor-shame culture, he says he is unworthy to untie the Messiah's sandals. He isn't looking to ride the Messiah's coattails to make a name for himself. Instead of giving his name or resume, he refers to himself only as a voice. Equally odd is that the investigative team runs through their checklist, but doesn't ask any questions about the Messiah that John the Baptist keeps pointing to. They just need to fill out their paperwork. When the priests and Levites get back to Jerusalem, what message will they have? "This prophet says he's like Isaiah, telling us the Messiah's identity." But if they were interested in knowing the Messiah, wouldn't they ask for an introduction? While everyone else is playing status games and doing their jobs, John the Baptist invites them to look at Jesus.