He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.”
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy
And he proclaimed: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop do
The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ.
You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’