John the Baptist Witnesses Concerning Christ

22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them wand baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near xSalim, because there was much water there. yAnd they came and were baptized. 24 For zJohn had not yet been thrown into prison.

25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, ato whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all bare coming to Him!”

27 John answered and said, c“A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, d‘I am not the Christ,’ but, e‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 fHe who has the bride is the bridegroom; but gthe friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 hHe must increase, but I must decrease. 31 iHe who comes from above jis above all; khe who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. lHe who comes from heaven is above all. 32 And mwhat He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33 He who has received His testimony nhas certified that God is true. 34 oFor He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit pby measure. 35 qThe Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36 rHe who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the swrath of God abides on him.”