25 Then a dispute arose between John’s disciplesay and a JewK about purification.az 26 So they came to John and told him, “Rabbi,ba the one you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan,bb is baptizing—and everyone is going to him.”bc

27 John responded, “No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah,bd but I’ve been sent ahead of him.’be 29 He who has the bridea is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatlyA at the groom’s voice. So this joya of mine is complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”