John 3:22-30

22 After this, Jesus went into the territory of Judea with his disciples. He stayed there with them and baptized.

23 John was also baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, where water was plentiful; people came to him and were baptized.

24 This happened before John was put in prison.

25 Now John’s disciples had been questioned by a Jew about spiritual cleansing,

26 so they came to John and said, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, and about whom you spoke favorably, is now baptizing, and all are going to him.”

27 John answered, “No one can receive anything, except what has been given to him from heaven.

28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’

29 Only the bridegroom has the bride; but the friend of the bridegroom stands by and listens, and rejoices to hear the bridegroom’s voice. My joy is now full.

30 It is necessary that he increase, but that I decrease.