John 3:22-36

Living Bible

²² Afterwards Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and stayed for a while in Judea and baptized there.

^23-24 At this time John the Baptist was not yet in prison. He was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. ²⁵ One day someone began an argument with John’s disciples, telling them that Jesus’ baptism was best.^{[a] 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^[b]—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! ^33-34 Those who believe him discover that God is a fountain of truth. For this one—sent by God—speaks God’s words, for God’s Spirit is upon him without measure or limit. 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 of God remains upon them.”