25. A debate started between John’s disciples and a certain Jew about cleansing rituals.
26. They came to John and said, "Rabbi, look! The man who was with you across the Jordan, the one about whom you testified, is baptizing and everyone is flocking to him."
27. John replied, "No one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven.
28. You yourselves can testify that I said that I’m not the Christ but that I’m the one sent before him.
29. The groom is the one who is getting married. The friend of the groom stands close by and, when he hears him, is overjoyed at the groom’s voice. Therefore, my joy is now complete.
30. He must increase and I must decrease.
31. The one who comes from above is above all things. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all things.
32. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony.
33. Whoever accepts his testimony confirms that God is true.
34. The one whom God sent speaks God’s words because God gives the Spirit generously.