Then the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the teachers of the Law say that Elijah has to come first?”
and if you are willing to believe their message, John is Elijah, whose coming was predicted.
then asked John, “If you are not the Messiah nor Elijah nor the Prophet, why do you baptize?”
“Who are you, then?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” “No, I am not,” John answered. “Are you the Prophet?” they asked. “No,” he replied.
And they asked Jesus, “Why do the teachers of the Law say that Elijah has to come first?”
“Some say John the Baptist,” they answered. “Others say Elijah, while others say Jeremiah or some other prophet.”
“Elijah is indeed coming first,” answered Jesus, “and he will get everything ready.