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].