during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, God’s word came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the desert.
Annas, the high priest, was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other members of the high priest’s family.
Annas sent him, still tied up, to Caiaphas the high priest.
The child grew up and his spirit became strong. He stayed in the desert until it was time for him to appear publicly to Israel.
John replied, using the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I’m the voice calling out in the desert, ‘Make a straight way for the Lord.’ ”
Then the chief priests and elders of the people met in the palace of Caiaphas, the high priest.
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John. “What did you go out into the desert to see?” he asked. “Tall grass waving in the wind? No?
Long ago it was written, “I will send my messenger ahead of you, to prepare your way.”