John 3:22-30

Expanded Bible

Jesus and John the Baptist

²² After this, Jesus and his ·followers [disciples] went into the ·area [countryside] of Judea, where he ·stayed [spent time] with his ·followers [disciples] and baptized people. ²³ John was also baptizing in Aenon [^Ca town (meaning “springs”) of uncertain location on the Jordan River (but see note on Salim)], near Salim [^Ca town (meaning “peace”) probably located either near Shechem or just south of Bethshan, both of which are in a Samaritan area], because there was plenty of water there. People were going there to be baptized. ²⁴ (This was before John was put into prison [Matt. 4:12].)

²⁵ Some of John’s ·followers [disciples] had an ·argument [discussion; debate] with a Jew about ·religious washing [ceremonial cleansing; ^Lpurification; ^Cthe Jewish people washed themselves for ritual purposes before eating, before worshiping in the Temple, and at other special times]. ²⁶ So they came to John and said, “Teacher [^LRabbi], remember the man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River, the one ·you spoke about so much [^Labout whom you have testified/witnessed]? He is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

²⁷ John answered, “A ·man [person] can get only what ·God gives him [^Lis given to him from heaven]. ²⁸ You yourselves heard me ·say [testify], ‘I am not the ·Christ [Messiah], but I am the one sent ·to prepare the way for him [^Lbefore him; 1:20–28; compare Is. 40:3].’ ²⁹ The bride belongs only to the bridegroom. But the ·friend who helps the bridegroom [or the best man] stands by and listens to him. He ·is thrilled [rejoices greatly] that he gets to hear the bridegroom’s voice. In the same way, ·I am really happy [^Lmy joy is fulfilled; ^Cin this analogy, John is the best man and Jesus is the bridegroom]. ³⁰ He must ·become greater [increase], and I must ·become less important [decrease].