[3:22] After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the province of Judea, where he spent some time with them and baptized.
[3:23] John also was baptizing in Aenon, not far from Salim, because there was plenty of water in that place. People were going to him, and he was baptizing them. (
[3:24] This was before John had been put in prison.)
[3:25] Some of John's disciples began arguing with a Jew about the matter of ritual washing.
[3:26] So they went to John and told him, “Teacher, you remember the man who was with you on the east side of the Jordan, the one you spoke about? Well, he is baptizing now, and everyone is going to him!”
[3:27] John answered, “No one can have anything unless God gives it.
[3:28] You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.’
[3:29] The bridegroom is the one to whom the bride belongs; but the bridegroom's friend, who stands by and listens, is glad when he hears the bridegroom's voice. This is how my own happiness is made complete.
[3:30] He must become more important while I become less important.”