After these things Jesus and his disciples came to Judea, stayed for a little while and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Ainon near Salem, because there was plenty of water there. Many came to be immersed. (John had not yet been imprisoned.)

When a Judean questioned John's disciples about the propriety of their mikvahs, and they came to ask John about it. They also said to him, “Rabbi, the one that came to you beyond the Jordan, the one about whom you testified—look, he’s immersing, too! Everyone is going to him!”

John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing, unless it is given to him from heaven. You, yourselves, have confirmed that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but the one to proceed him.’ The one who marries the bride is the bridegroom. But, the best-man, the bridegroom’s friend, who stands with him and hears him speak, joyfully celebrates his good fortune. Likewise, my joy is content.

“He must increase, while I must decrease. The one from above is above all. The one from the earth is of the earth, and speaks of the earth. The one coming from heaven is over all.

“He proclaims what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. The one who accepts his testimony affirms that God is true. For whom God sent speaks the words of God, for God has not limited the Spirit he has received. The Father loves the Son, and has placed everything in his hand. Those who believe on the Son have everlasting life, and those that do not believe the Son shall not see life. Rather, the wrath of God remains on them.”

When the Lord realized that the Pharisees knew that Jesus had made and baptized more followers than John—though Jesus himself immersed no one, but rather his disciples did so—he left for the Galilee.