24 (This was before John was put into prison.)
25 Some of John’s followers had an argument with a Jew about religious washing.
26 So they came to John and said, “Teacher, remember the man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you spoke about? He is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”
27 John answered, “A man can get only what God gives him.
28 You yourselves heard me say, ‘I am not the Christ. I am only the one God sent to prepare the way for him.’
29 The bride belongs only to the bridegroom. The friend who helps the bridegroom waits and listens for him. He is glad when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That is the same pleasure I have. And my time of joy is now here.
30 He must become greater. And I must become less important.