24. (This was before John had been put in prison.)
25. Some of John's disciples began arguing with a Jew about the matter of ritual washing.
26. So they went to John and said, “Teacher, you remember the man who was with you on the east side of the Jordan, the one you spoke about? Well, he is baptizing now, and everyone is going to him!”
27. John answered, “No one can have anything unless God gives it to him.
28. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.’
29. The bridegroom is the one to whom the bride belongs; but the bridegroom's friend, who stands by and listens, is glad when he hears the bridegroom's voice. This is how my own happiness is made complete.
30. He must become more important while I become less important.”
31. He who comes from above is greater than all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly matters, but he who comes from heaven is above all.