24. for John had not yet been imprisoned.
25. Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings.
26. So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.”
27. John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given him from heaven.
28. You yourselves can testify that I said [that] I am not the Messiah, but that I was sent before him.
29. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete.
30. He must increase; I must decrease.”
31. The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven [is above all].
32. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony.
33. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.
34. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.
35. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.
36. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.