24. since John had not yet been thrown into prison.
25. Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a Jew about purification.
26. So they came to John and told him, “Rabbi, the One you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing — and everyone is flocking to Him.”
27. John responded, “No one can receive a single thing unless it’s given to him from heaven.
28. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of Him.’
29. He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete.
30. He must increase, but I must decrease.”
31. The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth is earthly and speaks in earthly terms. The One who comes from heaven is above all.
32. He testifies to what He has seen and heard, yet no one accepts His testimony.