John 3:25-36 One day somenone began an argument with John’s disciples, telling them that Jesus’ baptism was best. ²⁶ So they came to John and said, “Master, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River- the one you said was the Messiah- he is baptizing too, and everybody is going over there instead of coming here to us.”
27 John replied, “God in heaven appoints each man’s work. ²⁸ My work is to prepare the way for that man so that everyone will go to him. You yourselves know how plainly I told you that I am not the Messiah. I am here to prepare the way for him- that is all.
29 The crowds will naturally go to the main attraction- the bride will go where the bridegroom is! A bridegroom’s friends rejoice with him. I am the Bridegroom’s friend, and I am filled with joy at his success. ³⁰ He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
31 “He has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. I am of the earth, and my understanding is limited to the things of earth. ³² He tells what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! ³⁵ The Father loves this man because He is His Son, and God has given him everything there is. ³⁶ And all who trust Him God’s Son to save them have eternal life; those who don’t believe and obey Him shall never see heaven, but the wrath God remains upon them. TLBV