John 3:25–36

²⁵Some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew began to argue. They argued about special washings to make people “clean.” ²⁶They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River is baptizing people. He is the one you gave witness about. Everyone is going to him.”

²⁷John replied, “A person can receive only what God gives him from heaven. ²⁸You yourselves are witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ. I was sent ahead of him.’ ²⁹The bride belongs to the groom. The friend who helps the groom waits and listens for him. He is full of joy when he hears the groom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. ³⁰He must become more important. I must become less important.

³¹“The One who comes from above is above everything. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks like someone from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above everything. ³²He gives witness to what he has seen and heard. But no one accepts what he says. ³³Anyone who has accepted it has said, ‘Yes. God is truthful.’ ³⁴The One whom God has sent speaks God’s words. God gives the Holy Spirit without limit.

³⁵“The Father loves the Son and has put everything into his hands. ³⁶Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life. Anyone who says no to the Son will not have life. God’s anger remains on him.”