⁷ He came as a witness to testify^(A) concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.^(B)

¹⁵ (John testified^(A) concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”)^(B)

John the Baptist Denies Being the Messiah

¹⁹ Now this was John’s^(A) testimony when the Jewish leaders^[a](B) in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was.

³² Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.^(A)

²⁶ They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi,^(A) that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified^(B) about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

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.’^{(C) 29} The bride belongs to the bridegroom.^(D) 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.^{(E) 30} He must become greater; I must become less.”^[a]