²⁸ You yourselves heard me say, ‘I am not the Christ. I am only the one God sent to prepare the way for him.’ ²⁹ The bride belongs only to the bridegroom. The friend who helps the bridegroom waits and listens for him. He is glad when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That is the same pleasure I have. And my time of joy is now here. ³⁰ He must become greater. And I must become less important.