P1507:1, 135:11.2
After he had been in prison several months, a group of his disciples came to
him and, after reporting concerning the public activities of Jesus, said: "So
you see, Teacher, that he who was with you at the upper Jordan prospers and
receives all who come to him. He even feasts with publicans and sinners. You
bore courageous witness to him, and yet he does nothing to effect your deliverance."
But John answered his friends: "This man can do nothing unless it has been given
him by his Father in heaven. You well remember that I said, `I am not the Messiah,
but I am one sent on before to prepare the way for him.' And that I did. He
who has the bride is the bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom who stands
near-by and hears him rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice.
This, my joy, therefore is fulfilled. He must increase but I must decrease.
I am of this earth and have declared my message. Jesus of Nazareth comes down
to the earth from heaven and is above us all. The Son of Man has descended from
God, and the words of God he will declare to you. For the Father in heaven gives
not the spirit by measure to his own Son. The Father loves his Son and will
presently put all things in the hands of this Son. He who believes in the Son
has eternal life. And these words which I speak are true and abiding."