See on vs. 27, 29. It could not be otherwise, John declares. These are almost the last recorded words of John prior to his imprisonment. Surely, words more humble, more submissive, more unselfish than those of John upon this occasion have never been uttered. At the prime of his life and ministry he is summoned to retire and leave the field to others. Surely, “there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist” (Matt. 11:11).