²⁷ He is the one who comes after me,^(A) the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”^(B)

³⁰ This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’^(A)

³⁴ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”^[a](A)

²⁷ To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. ²⁸ You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’^{(A) 29} The bride belongs to the bridegroom.^(B) The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.^{(C) 30} He must become greater; I must become less.”^[a]