The Message-NKJV Parallel Bible

THE MESSAGENKJV PARALLEL BIBLE
The MessageNKJV Parallel Bible Copyright 2007 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
New King James Version

Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. The text of the New King James Version (NKJV) may be quoted or reprinted without prior written permission with the following qualifications: (1) up to and including 1,000 verses may be quoted in printed form as long as the verses quoted amount to less than 50% of a complete book of the Bible and make up less than 50% of the total work in which they are quoted; (2) all NKJV quotations must conform accurately to the NKJV text. Any use of the NKJV text must include a proper acknowledgement as follows: Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. However, when quotations from the NKJV text are used in church bulletins, orders of service, Sunday school lessons, church newsletters, and similar works in the course of religious instruction or services at a place of worship or other religious assembly, the following notice may be used at the end of each quotation: NKJV. For quotation requests not covered by the above guidelines, write to Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attention: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000.
The Message
THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language Copyright 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved. This edition issued by contractual arrangement with NavPress, a division of The Navigators, U.S.A. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved. THE MESSAGE text may be quoted in any form (written, visual, electronic, or audio), up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses, without express written permission of the publisher, NavPress Publishing Group, providing the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible and do not account for 25 percent or more of the total text of the work in which they are quoted. Notice of copyright must appear as follows on either the title page or the copyright page of the work in which THE MESSAGE is quoted: Scripture take from THE MESSAGE. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. When quotations form THE MESSAGE text are used in nonsaleable media, such as church bulletins, orders of service, posters, transparencies, or similar media, a complete copyright notice is not required, but The Message must appear at the end of each quotation. Permission requests for commercial and noncommercial use that exceed the above guidelines must be directed to and approved in writing by NavPress Publishing Group, Permissions, P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, Co 80935. www.messagebible.com.
All Rights Reserved Printed in the United States of America 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07
. CONTENTS ,
Welcome to The MessageNKJV Parallel Bible ........................................................................................................................vii Preface to the New King James Version ................................................................................................................................ix Preface to The Message ................................................................................................................................................................xv
O L D T E S TA M E N T
BOOK PAGE BOOK PAGE
Genesis ......................................................................1 Exodus ........................................................................76 Leviticus ....................................................................137 Numbers ....................................................................180 Deuteronomy............................................................244 Joshua..........................................................................299 Judges..........................................................................336 Ruth ............................................................................373 1 Samuel......................................................................379 2 Samuel ....................................................................428 1 Kings ........................................................................470 2 Kings ........................................................................518 1 Chronicles ..............................................................565 2 Chronicles ..............................................................608 Ezra..............................................................................661 Nehemiah ..................................................................677 Esther..........................................................................701 Job ................................................................................712 Psalms..........................................................................763 Proverbs......................................................................897 Ecclesiastes................................................................946 Song of Solomon (Song of Songs) ....................961 Isaiah ..........................................................................970 Jeremiah ....................................................................1073 Lamentations............................................................1175 Ezekiel ........................................................................1186 Daniel ..........................................................................1263 Hosea ..........................................................................1287 Joel................................................................................1303 Amos............................................................................1309 Obadiah ......................................................................1322 Jonah............................................................................1324 Micah ..........................................................................1327 Nahum ........................................................................1337 Habakkuk ..................................................................1341 Zephaniah..................................................................1346 Haggai ........................................................................1351 Zechariah ..................................................................1354 Malachi ......................................................................1370
N E W T E S TA M E N T
BOOK PAGE BOOK PAGE
Matthew ....................................................................1379 Mark ............................................................................1432 Luke ............................................................................1464 John..............................................................................1520 Acts ..............................................................................1563 Romans ......................................................................1617 1 Corinthians ............................................................1645 2 Corinthians............................................................1670 Galatians ....................................................................1686 Ephesians ..................................................................1696 Philippians ................................................................1704 Colossians ..................................................................1710 1 Thessalonians ........................................................1716 2 Thessalonians........................................................1721 1 Timothy ..................................................................1724 2 Timothy ..................................................................1730 Titus ............................................................................1734 Philemon ....................................................................1737 Hebrews......................................................................1738 James ..........................................................................1755 1 Peter..........................................................................1761 2 Peter ........................................................................1767 1 John ..........................................................................1771 2 John ..........................................................................1777 3 John ..........................................................................1778 Jude ..............................................................................1779 Revelation ..................................................................1781
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CONTENTS
Harmony of the Gospels ........................................................................................................................................................1809 Concordance (NKJV) ................................................................................................................................................................1815
BOOKS
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ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Judges..........................................................................336 1 Kings ........................................................................470 2 Kings ........................................................................518 Lamentations............................................................1175 Leviticus ....................................................................137 Luke ............................................................................1464 Malachi ......................................................................1370 Mark ............................................................................1432 Matthew ....................................................................1379 Micah ..........................................................................1327 Nahum ........................................................................1337 Nehemiah ..................................................................677 Numbers ....................................................................180 Obadiah ......................................................................1322 1 Peter..........................................................................1761 2 Peter ........................................................................1767 Philemon ....................................................................1737 Philippians ................................................................1704 Proverbs......................................................................897 Psalms..........................................................................763 Revelation ..................................................................1781 Romans ......................................................................1617 Ruth ............................................................................373 1 Samuel......................................................................379 2 Samuel ....................................................................428 Song of Solomon (Song of Songs) ....................961 1 Thessalonians ........................................................1716 2 Thessalonians........................................................1721 1 Timothy ..................................................................1724 2 Timothy ..................................................................1730 Titus ............................................................................1734 Zechariah ..................................................................1354 Zephaniah..................................................................1346
Acts ..............................................................................1563 Amos............................................................................1309 1 Chronicles ..............................................................565 2 Chronicles ..............................................................608 Colossians ..................................................................1710 1 Corinthians ............................................................1645 2 Corinthians............................................................1670 Daniel ..........................................................................1263 Deuteronomy............................................................244 Ecclesiastes................................................................946 Ephesians ..................................................................1696 Esther..........................................................................701 Exodus ........................................................................76 Ezekiel ........................................................................1186 Ezra..............................................................................661 Galatians ....................................................................1686 Genesis ......................................................................1 Habakkuk ..................................................................1341 Haggai ........................................................................1351 Hebrews......................................................................1738 Hosea ..........................................................................1287 Isaiah ..........................................................................970 James ..........................................................................1755 Jeremiah ....................................................................1073 Job ................................................................................712 Joel................................................................................1303 John..............................................................................1520 1 John ..........................................................................1771 2 John ..........................................................................1777 3 John ..........................................................................1778 Jonah............................................................................1324 Joshua..........................................................................299 Jude ..............................................................................1779
WELCOME TO , THE MESSAGENKJV PARALLEL BIBLE
This parallel Bible gives you the best contrast available in a parallel Bible. It features two very different translations that are outstanding examples in their respective categories. The New King James Version is the most popular example of a formal or word-for-word Bible translation, where every word from the original languages is carefully transmitted in modern English as precisely as clarity, taste, and grammar will allow. This makes it an excellent translation for study. The NKJV is current and clear, yet it is accurate and reliable, and it is majestic enough for those who want a Bible that sounds like a Bible. The NKJV New Testament is translated from the traditional text of the Greek New Testament, on which its predecessor the King James Version was also based. Heres how the NKJV renders a beloved passage, John 3:1621: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.
The Message takes a very different approach. Its translator, the innovative Christian author Eugene Peterson, calls it a translation into American, a supplement to other translations, whose tone stabs us awake to a beauty and hope that connects us with our real lives. The Message is by far the most imaginative, lively, and compelling interpretation of the scriptures available, and Thomas Nelson appreciates the opportunity to partner with the primary publisher of The Message, NavPress, in presenting it here. The Message New Testament is translated from a recently edited critical text of the Greek New Testament. Here is The Message rendering of John 3:1621:
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didnt go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that persons failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
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T H E M E S S A G E NKJV P A R A L L E L B I B L E
This is the crisis were in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and wont come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is. Thats quite a difference! This parallel edition of the Bible allows you to compare two radically distinct Bible translations. It provides amazing depth perception for your study of Gods Word, as you consider the startling dissimilarities of these two approaches to Bible translation when you view them side by side. We have also included a harmony of the gospels and a concordance (geared to the familiar wording of the NKJV). We pray that God will use this parallel Bible to instruct, encourage, and bless you in your study of His message to you. The Publishers
. John ,
NEW KING JAMES VERSION
THE ETERNAL WORD In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehenda it.
T H E M E S S AG E
THE LIFE-LIGHT 1-2 The Word was first, the Word present to God, God present to the Word. The Word was God, in readiness for God from day one.
3-5
JOHNS WITNESS: THE TRUE LIGHT 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.a 10He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11He came to His own,a and His ownb did not receive Him. 12But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. THE WORD BECOMES FLESH 14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, This was He of whom I said, He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me. 16Anda of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Everything was created through him; nothingnot one thing! came into being without him. What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldnt put it out. There once was a man, his name John, sent by God to point out the way to the LifeLight. He came to show everyone where to look, who to believe in. John was not himself the Light; he was there to show the way to the Light. The Life-Light was the real thing: Every person entering Life he brings into Light. He was in the world, the world was there through him, and yet the world didnt even notice. He came to his own people, but they didnt want him. But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves. These are the God-begotten, not blood-begotten, not flesh-begotten, not sex-begotten. The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. John pointed him out and called, This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word. We all live off his generous bounty, gift after gift after gift. We got the basics from Moses, and then this exuberant giving and receiving, This endless knowing and understanding all this came through Jesus, the Messiah.
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1:5 aOr overcome 1:9 aOr That was the true Light which, coming into the world, gives light to every man. 1:11 aThat is, His own things or domain bThat is, His own people 1:16 aNU-Text reads For.
JOHN 1:38
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T H E M E S S AG E
No one has ever seen God, not so much as a glimpse. This one-of-a-kind God-Expression, who exists at the very heart of the Father, has made him plain as day.
one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son,a who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.
A VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS 19Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? 20He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21And they asked him, What then? Are you Elijah? He said, I am not. Are you the Prophet? And he answered, No. 22Then they said to him, Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself? 23He said: I am The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord, a as the prophet Isaiah said. 24Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. 25And they asked him, saying, Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet? 26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. 28These things were done in Bethabaraa beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. THE LAMB OF GOD 29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is He of whom I said, After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me. 31I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water. 32And John bore witness, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. 34And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God. THE FIRST DISCIPLES 35Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, Behold the Lamb of God! 37The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, What do you seek?
THUNDER IN THE DESERT 19-20 When Jews from Jerusalem sent a group of priests and officials to ask John who he was, he was completely honest. He didnt evade the question. He told the plain truth: I am not the Messiah. 21 They pressed him, Who, then? Elijah? I am not. The Prophet? No. 22 Exasperated, they said, Who, then? We need an answer for those who sent us. Tell us somethinganything!about yourself. 23 Im thunder in the desert: Make the road straight for God! Im doing what the prophet Isaiah preached. 24-25 Those sent to question him were from the Pharisee party. Now they had a question of their own: If youre neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet, why do you baptize? 26-27 John answered, I only baptize using water. A person you dont recognize has taken his stand in your midst. He comes after me, but he is not in second place to me. Im not even worthy to hold his coat for him. 28 These conversations took place in Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing at the time. THE GOD-REVEALER 29-31 The very next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and yelled out, Here he is, Gods Passover Lamb! He forgives the sins of the world! This is the man Ive been talking about, the One who comes after me but is really ahead of me. I knew nothing about who he wasonly this: that my task has been to get Israel ready to recognize him as the God-Revealer. That is why I came here baptizing with water, giving you a good bath and scrubbing sins from your life so you can get a fresh start with God. 32-34 John clinched his witness with this: I watched the Spirit, like a dove flying down out of the sky, making himself at home in him. I repeat, I know nothing about him except this: The One who authorized me to baptize with water told me, The One on whom you see the Spirit come down and stay, this One will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Thats exactly what I saw happen, and Im telling you, theres no question about it: This is the Son of God. COME, SEE FOR YOURSELF 35-36 The next day John was back at his post with two disciples, who were watching. He looked up, saw Jesus walking nearby, and said, Here he is, Gods Passover Lamb. 37-38 The two disciples heard him and went after Jesus. Jesus looked over his shoulder and said to them, What are you after?
1:18 aNU-Text reads only begotten God. 1:28 aNU-Text and M-Text read Bethany.
1:23 aIsaiah 40:3
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JOHN 1:39
T H E M E S S AG E
They said, Rabbi (which means Teacher), where are you staying? He replied, Come along and see for yourself. They came, saw where he was living, and ended up staying with him for the day. It was late afternoon when this happened. Andrew, Simon Peters brother, was one of the two who heard Johns witness and followed Jesus. The first thing he did after finding where Jesus lived was find his own brother, Simon, telling him, Weve found the Messiah (that is, Christ). He immediately led him to Jesus. Jesus took one look up and said, Youre Johns son, Simon? From now on your name is Cephas (or Peter, which means Rock). The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. When he got there, he ran across Philip and said, Come, follow me. (Philips hometown was Bethsaida, the same as Andrew and Peter.) Philip went and found Nathanael and told him, Weve found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets. Its Jesus, Josephs son, the one from Nazareth! Nathanael said, Nazareth? Youve got to be kidding. But Philip said, Come, see for yourself. When Jesus saw him coming he said, Theres a real Israelite, not a false bone in his body. Nathanael said, Where did you get that idea? You dont know me. Jesus answered, One day, long before Philip called you here, I saw you under the fig tree. Nathanael exclaimed, Rabbi! You are the Son of God, the King of Israel! Jesus said, Youve become a believer simply because I say I saw you one day sitting under the fig tree? You havent seen anything yet! Before this is over youre going to see heaven open and Gods angels descending to the Son of Man and ascending again.
They said to Him, Rabbi (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), where are You staying? 39He said to them, Come and see. They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). 40One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peters brother. 41He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, We have found the Messiah (which is translated, the Christ). 42And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, You are Simon the son of Jonah.a You shall be called Cephas (which is translated, A Stone). PHILIP AND NATHANAEL 43The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, Follow Me. 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wroteJesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46And Nathanael said to him, Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him, Come and see. 47Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit! 48Nathanael said to Him, How do You know me? Jesus answered and said to him, Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you. 49Nathanael answered and said to Him, Rabbi,You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! 50Jesus answered and said to him, Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these. 51And He said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you, hereaftera you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. WATER TURNED TO WINE On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, They have no wine. 4Jesus said to her, Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come. 5His mother said to the servants, Whatever He says to you, do it. 6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7Jesus said to them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8And He said to them, Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast. And they took it.
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FROM WATER TO WINE 1-3 Three days later there was a wedding in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus mother was there. Jesus and his disciples were guests also. When they started running low on wine at the wedding banquet, Jesus mother told him, Theyre just about out of wine. 4 Jesus said, Is that any of our business, Motheryours or mine? This isnt my time. Dont push me. 5 She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, Whatever he tells you, do it. 6-7 Six stoneware water pots were there, used by the Jews for ritual washings. Each held twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus ordered the servants, Fill the pots with water. And they filled them to the brim. 8 Now fill your pitchers and take them to the host, Jesus said, and they did.
1:42 aNU-Text reads John.
1:51 aNU-Text omits hereafter.
JOHN 3:3
the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10And he said to him, Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now! 11This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. 12After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days. JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE 13Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. 15When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers money and overturned the tables. 16And He said to those who sold doves, Take these things away! Do not make My Fathers house a house of merchandise! 17Then His disciples remembered that it was written, Zeal for Your house has eatena Me up. b 18So the Jews answered and said to Him, What sign do You show to us, since You do these things? 19Jesus answered and said to them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 20Then the Jews said, It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days? 21But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them;a and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said. THE DISCERNER OF HEARTS 23Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, 25and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.
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When the host tasted the water that had become wine (he didnt know what had just happened but the servants, of course, knew), he called out to the bridegroom, Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff. But youve saved the best till now! This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave, the first glimpse of his glory. And his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum along with his mother, brothers, and disciples, and stayed several days.
TEAR DOWN THIS TEMPLE . . . 13-14 When the Passover Feast, celebrated each spring by the Jews, was about to take place, Jesus traveled up to Jerusalem. He found the Temple teeming with people selling cattle and sheep and doves. The loan sharks were also there in full strength. 15-17 Jesus put together a whip out of strips of leather and chased them out of the Temple, stampeding the sheep and cattle, upending the tables of the loan sharks, spilling coins left and right. He told the dove merchants, Get your things out of here! Stop turning my Fathers house into a shopping mall! Thats when his disciples remembered the Scripture, Zeal for your house consumes me. 18-19 But the Jews were upset. They asked, What credentials can you present to justify this? Jesus answered, Tear down this Temple and in three days Ill put it back together. 20-22 They were indignant: It took forty-six years to build this Temple, and youre going to rebuild it in three days? But Jesus was talking about his body as the Temple. Later, after he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this. They then put two and two together and believed both what was written in Scripture and what Jesus had said. 23-25 During the time he was in Jerusalem, those days of the Passover Feast, many people noticed the signs he was displaying and, seeing they pointed straight to God, entrusted their lives to him. But Jesus didnt entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didnt need any help in seeing right through them. BORN FROM ABOVE 1-2 There was a man of the Pharisee sect, Nicodemus, a prominent leader among the Jews. Late one night he visited Jesus and said, Rabbi, we all know youre a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God werent in on it. 3 Jesus said, Youre absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, its not possible to see what Im pointing toto Gods kingdom.
THE NEW BIRTH There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him. 3Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
2:17 aNU-Text and M-Text read will eat. bPsalm 69:9 Text and M-Text omit to them.
2:22 aNU-
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JOHN 3:4
T H E M E S S AG E
4
said to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mothers womb and be born? 5Jesus answered, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born again. 8The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit. 9Nicodemus answered and said to Him, How can these things be? 10Jesus answered and said to him, Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? 11Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. 12If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.a 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15that whoever believes in Him should not perish buta have eternal life. 16For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20For every-
4Nicodemus
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3:13 aNU-Text omits who is in heaven. not perish but.
3:15 aNU-Text omits
How can anyone, said Nicodemus, be born who has already been born and grown up? You cant re-enter your mothers womb and be born again. What are you saying with this born-from-above talk? Jesus said, Youre not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creationthe wind-hovering-overthe-water creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new lifeits not possible to enter Gods kingdom. When you look at a baby, its just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you cant see and touchthe Spiritand becomes a living spirit. So dont be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be born from aboveout of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where its headed next. Thats the way it is with everyone born from above by the wind of God, the Spirit of God. Nicodemus asked, What do you mean by this? How does this happen? Jesus said, Youre a respected teacher of Israel and you dont know these basics? Listen carefully. Im speaking sober truth to you. I speak only of what I know by experience; I give witness only to what I have seen with my own eyes. There is nothing secondhand here, no hearsay. Yet instead of facing the evidence and accepting it, you procrastinate with questions. If I tell you things that are plain as the hand before your face and you dont believe me, what use is there in telling you of things you cant see, the things of God? No one has ever gone up into the presence of God except the One who came down from that Presence, the Son of Man. In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted upand everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life. This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didnt go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that persons failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. This is the crisis were in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God.
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one practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God. JOHN THE BAPTIST EXALTS CHRIST 22After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. 23Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. 24For John had not yet been thrown into prison. 25Then there arose a dispute between some of Johns disciples and the Jews about purification. 26And they came to John and said to him, Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testifiedbehold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him! 27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but, I have been sent before Him. 29He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegrooms voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30He must increase, but I must decrease. 31He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. 34For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. 35The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.
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Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and wont come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes Godlight so the work can be seen for the Godwork it is. THE BRIDEGROOMS FRIEND 22-26 After this conversation, Jesus went on with his disciples into the Judean countryside and relaxed with them there. He was also baptizing. At the same time, John was baptizing over at Aenon near Salim, where water was abundant. This was before John was thrown into jail. Johns disciples got into an argument with the establishment Jews over the nature of baptism. They came to John and said, Rabbi, you know the one who was with you on the other side of the Jordan? The one you authorized with your witness? Well, hes now competing with us. Hes baptizing, too, and everyones going to him instead of us. 27-29 John answered, Its not possible for a person to succeedIm talking about eternal successwithout heavens help. You yourselves were there when I made it public that I was not the Messiah but simply the one sent ahead of him to get things ready. The one who gets the bride is, by definition, the bridegroom. And the bridegrooms friend, his best manthats mein place at his side where he can hear every word, is genuinely happy. How could he be jealous when he knows that the wedding is finished and the marriage is off to a good start? 29-30 Thats why my cup is running over. This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines. 31-33 The One who comes from above is head and shoulders over other messengers from God. The earthborn is earthbound and speaks earth language; the heavenborn is in a league of his own. He sets out the evidence of what he saw and heard in heaven. No one wants to deal with these facts. But anyone who examines this evidence will come to stake his life on this: that God himself is the truth. 34-36 The One that God sent speaks Gods words. And dont think he rations out the Spirit in bits and pieces. The Father loves the Son extravagantly. He turned everything over to him so he could give it awaya lavish distribution of gifts. That is why whoever accepts and trusts the Son gets in on everything, life complete and forever! And that is also why the person who avoids and distrusts the Son is in the dark and doesnt see life. All he experiences of God is darkness, and an angry darkness at that. THE WOMAN AT THE WELL 1-3 Jesus realized that the Pharisees were keeping count of the baptisms that he and John performed (although his disciples, not Jesus, did the actual baptizing). They had posted the score that Jesus was ahead, turning him and John into rivals in the eyes of
A SAMARITAN WOMAN MEETS HER MESSIAH Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2(though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples),
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the people. So Jesus left the Judean countryside and went back to Galilee. To get there, he had to pass through Samaria. He came into Sychar, a Samaritan village that bordered the field Jacob had given his son Joseph. Jacobs well was still there. Jesus, worn out by the trip, sat down at the well. It was noon. A woman, a Samaritan, came to draw water. Jesus said, Would you give me a drink of water? (His disciples had gone to the village to buy food for lunch.) The Samaritan woman, taken aback, asked, How come you, a Jew, are asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink? (Jews in those days wouldnt be caught dead talking to Samaritans.) Jesus answered, If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water. The woman said, Sir, you dont even have a bucket to draw with, and this well is deep. So how are you going to get this living water? Are you a better man than our ancestor Jacob, who dug this well and drank from it, he and his sons and livestock, and passed it down to us? Jesus said, Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirstnot ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life. The woman said, Sir, give me this water so I wont ever get thirsty, wont ever have to come back to this well again! He said, Go call your husband and then come back. I have no husband, she said. Thats nicely put: I have no husband. Youve had five husbands, and the man youre living with now isnt even your husband. You spoke the truth there, sure enough. Oh, so youre a prophet! Well, tell me this: Our ancestors worshiped God at this mountain, but you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place for worship, right? Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem. You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day. Gods way of salvation is made available through the Jews. But the time is comingit has, in fact, comewhen what youre called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter. Its who you are and the way you live that count before God.Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. Thats the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itselfSpirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.
left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4But He needed to go through Samaria. 5So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6Now Jacobs well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, Give Me a drink. 8For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman? For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. 10Jesus answered and said to her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, Give Me a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water. 11The woman said to Him, Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock? 13Jesus answered and said to her, Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. 15The woman said to Him, Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw. 16Jesus said to her, Go, call your husband, and come here. 17The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said to her, You have well said, I have no husband, 18for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly. 19The woman said to Him, Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship. 21Jesus said to her, Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
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woman said to Him, I know that Messiah is coming (who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things. 26Jesus said to her, I who speak to you am He. THE WHITENED HARVEST 27And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman; yet no one said, What do You seek? or, Why are You talking with her? 28The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, 29Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ? 30Then they went out of the city and came to Him. 31In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, Rabbi, eat. 32But He said to them, I have food to eat of which you do not know. 33Therefore the disciples said to one another, Has anyone brought Him anything to eat? 34Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35Do you not say, There are still four months and then comes the harvest? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37For in this the saying is true: One sows and another reaps. 38I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors. THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD 39And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, He told me all that I ever did. 40So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41And many more believed because of His own word. 42Then they said to the woman, Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ,a the Savior of the world. WELCOME AT GALILEE 43Now after the two days He departed from there and went to Galilee. 44For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they also had gone to the feast. A NOBLEMANS SON HEALED 46So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at
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The woman said, I dont know about that. I do know that the Messiah is coming. When he arrives, well get the whole story. I am he, said Jesus. You dont have to wait any longer or look any further. Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked. They couldnt believe he was talking with that kind of a woman. No one said what they were all thinking, but their faces showed it. The woman took the hint and left. In her confusion she left her water pot. Back in the village she told the people, Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah? And they went out to see for themselves.
ITS HARVEST TIME 31 In the meantime, the disciples pressed him, Rabbi, eat. Arent you going to eat? 32 He told them, I have food to eat you know nothing about. 33 The disciples were puzzled. Who could have brought him food? 34-35 Jesus said, The food that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, finishing the work he started. As you look around right now, wouldnt you say that in about four months it will be time to harvest? Well, Im telling you to open your eyes and take a good look at whats right in front of you. These Samaritan fields are ripe. Its harvest time! 36-38 The Harvester isnt waiting. Hes taking his pay, gathering in this grain thats ripe for eternal life. Now the Sower is arm in arm with the Harvester, triumphant. Thats the truth of the saying, This one sows, that one harvests. I sent you to harvest a field you never worked. Without lifting a finger, you have walked in on a field worked long and hard by others. 39-42 Many of the Samaritans from that village committed themselves to him because of the womans witness: He knew all about the things I did. He knows me inside and out! They asked him to stay on, so Jesus stayed two days. A lot more people entrusted their lives to him when they heard what he had to say. They said to the woman, Were no longer taking this on your say-so. Weve heard it for ourselves and know it for sure. Hes the Savior of the world!
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4:42 aNU-Text omits the Christ.
After the two days he left for Galilee. Now, Jesus knew well from experience that a prophet is not respected in the place where he grew up. So when he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, but only because they were impressed with what he had done in Jerusalem during the Passover Feast, not that they really had a clue about who he was or what he was up to. Now he was back in Cana of Galilee, the place where he made the water into wine. Meanwhile in Capernaum, there was a certain official from the kings court whose son
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was sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and asked that he come down and heal his son, who was on the brink of death. Jesus put him off: Unless you people are dazzled by a miracle, you refuse to believe. But the court official wouldnt be put off. Come down! Its life or death for my son. Jesus simply replied, Go home.Your son lives. The man believed the bare word Jesus spoke and headed home. On his way back, his servants intercepted him and announced, Your son lives! He asked them what time he began to get better. They said, The fever broke yesterday afternoon at one oclock. The father knew that that was the very moment Jesus had said, Your son lives. That clinched it. Not only he but his entire household believed. This was now the second sign Jesus gave after having come from Judea into Galilee.
Capernaum. 47When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48Then Jesus said to him, Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe. 49The nobleman said to Him, Sir, come down before my child dies! 50Jesus said to him, Go your way; your son lives. So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 51And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, Your son lives! 52Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. 53So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, Your son lives. And he himself believed, and his whole household. 54This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.
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A MAN HEALED AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda,a having five porches. 3In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.a 5Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, Do you want to be made well? 7The sick man answered Him, Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me. 8Jesus said to him, Rise, take up your bed and walk. 9And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. 10The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed. 11He answered them, He who made me well said to me, Take up your bed and walk. 12Then they asked him, Who is the Man who said to you, Take up your bed and walk? 13But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you. 15The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
HONOR THE FATHER AND THE SON 16For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him,a because He had done these things on the Sabbath.
5:2 aNU-Text reads Bethzatha. 5:4 aNU-Text omits waiting for the moving of the water at the end of verse 3, and all of verse 4. 5:16 aNU-Text omits and sought to kill Him.
EVEN ON THE SABBATH 1-6 Soon another Feast came around and Jesus was back in Jerusalem. Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there was a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, with five alcoves. Hundreds of sick peopleblind, crippled, paralyzedwere in these alcoves. One man had been an invalid there for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him stretched out by the pool and knew how long he had been there, he said, Do you want to get well? 7 The sick man said, Sir, when the water is stirred, I dont have anybody to put me in the pool. By the time I get there, somebody else is already in. 8-9 Jesus said, Get up, take your bedroll, start walking. The man was healed on the spot. He picked up his bedroll and walked off. 9-10 That day happened to be the Sabbath. The Jews stopped the healed man and said, Its the Sabbath. You cant carry your bedroll around. Its against the rules. 11 But he told them, The man who made me well told me to. He said, Take your bedroll and start walking. 12-13 They asked, Who gave you the order to take it up and start walking? But the healed man didnt know, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd. 14 A little later Jesus found him in the Temple and said, You look wonderful! Youre well! Dont return to a sinning life or something worse might happen. 15-16 The man went back and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. That is why the Jews were out to get Jesus because he did this kind of thing on the Sabbath.
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Jesus answered them, My Father has been working until now, and I have been working. 18Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 19Then Jesus answered and said to them, Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. LIFE AND JUDGMENT ARE THROUGH THE SON 24Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29and come forththose who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 30I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. THE FOURFOLD WITNESS 31If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. 32There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. 33You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. 35He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. 36But I have a greater witness than Johns; for the works which the Father has given Me to finishthe
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But Jesus defended himself. My Father is working straight through, even on the Sabbath. So am I. That really set them off. The Jews were now not only out to expose him; they were out to kill him. Not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was calling God his own Father, putting himself on a level with God.
WHAT THE FATHER DOES, THE SON DOES 19-20 So Jesus explained himself at length. Im telling you this straight. The Son cant independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father doing. What the Father does, the Son does. The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing. 20-23 But you havent seen the half of it yet, for in the same way that the Father raises the dead and creates life, so does the Son. The Son gives life to anyone he chooses. Neither he nor the Father shuts anyone out. The Father handed all authority to judge over to the Son so that the Son will be honored equally with the Father. Anyone who dishonors the Son, dishonors the Father, for it was the Fathers decision to put the Son in the place of honor. 24 Its urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living. 25-27 Its urgent that you get this right: The time has arrivedI mean right now!when dead men and women will hear the voice of the Son of God and, hearing, will come alive. Just as the Father has life in himself, he has conferred on the Son life in himself. And he has given him the authority, simply because he is the Son of Man, to decide and carry out matters of Judgment. 28-29 Dont act so surprised at all this. The time is coming when everyone dead and buried will hear his voice. Those who have lived the right way will walk out into a resurrection Life; those who have lived the wrong way, into a resurrection Judgment. 30-33 I cant do a solitary thing on my own: I listen, then I decide. You can trust my decision because Im not out to get my own way but only to carry out orders. If I were simply speaking on my own account, it would be an empty, self-serving witness. But an independent witness confirms me, the most reliable Witness of all. Furthermore, you all saw and heard John, and he gave expert and reliable testimony about me, didnt he? 34-38 But my purpose is not to get your vote, and not to appeal to mere human testimony. Im speaking to you this way so that you will be saved. John was a torch, blazing and bright, and you were glad enough to dance for an hour or so in his bright light. But the witness that really confirms me far exceeds Johns witness. Its the work the Father gave
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me to complete. These very tasks, as I go about completing them, confirm that the Father, in fact, sent me. The Father who sent me, confirmed me. And you missed it. You never heard his voice, you never saw his appearance. There is nothing left in your memory of his Message because you do not take his Messenger seriously.
very works that I dobear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 37And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. 41I do not receive honor from men. 42But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43I have come in My Fathers name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? 45Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you Moses, in whom you trust. 46For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?
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You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think youll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you arent willing to receive from me the life you say you want. Im not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially Gods love, is not on your working agenda. I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms. How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God? But dont think Im going to accuse you before my Father. Moses, in whom you put so much stock, is your accuser. If you believed, really believed, what Moses said, you would believe me. He wrote of me. If you wont take seriously what he wrote, how can I expect you to take seriously what I speak?
FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. 3And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. 4Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. 5Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 6But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. 7Philip answered Him, Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little. 8One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peters brother, said to Him, 9There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many? 10Then Jesus said, Make the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciplesa to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost. 13Therefore they
6:11 aNU-Text omits to the disciples, and the disciples.
BREAD AND FISH FOR ALL 1-4 After this, Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee (some call it Tiberias). A huge crowd followed him, attracted by the miracles they had seen him do among the sick. When he got to the other side, he climbed a hill and sat down, surrounded by his disciples. It was nearly time for the Feast of Passover, kept annually by the Jews. 5-6 When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, Where can we buy bread to feed these people? He said this to stretch Philips faith. He already knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered, Two hundred silver pieces wouldnt be enough to buy bread for each person to get a piece. 8-9 One of the disciplesit was Andrew, brother to Simon Petersaid, Theres a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But thats a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this. 10-11 Jesus said, Make the people sit down. There was a nice carpet of green grass in this place. They sat down, about five thousand of them. Then Jesus took the bread and, having given thanks, gave it to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish. All ate as much as they wanted. 12-13 When the people had eaten their fill, he said to his disciples, Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted. They went to work and
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gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. 14Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world. JESUS WALKS ON THE SEA 15Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone. 16Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. 18Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. 19So when they had rowed about three or four miles,a they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. 20But He said to them, It is I; do not be afraid. 21Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going. THE BREAD FROM HEAVEN 22On the following day, when the people who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except that one which His disciples had entered,a and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but His disciples had gone away alone 23however, other boats came from Tiberias, near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks 24when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, Rabbi, when did You come here? 26Jesus answered them and said, Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him. 28Then they said to Him, What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? 29Jesus answered and said to them, This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent. 30Therefore they said to Him, What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? 31Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. a 32Then Jesus said to them, Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. 34Then they said to Him, Lord, give us this bread always.
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filled twelve large baskets with leftovers from the five barley loaves. The people realized that God was at work among them in what Jesus had just done. They said, This is the Prophet for sure, Gods Prophet right here in Galilee! Jesus saw that in their enthusiasm, they were about to grab him and make him king, so he slipped off and went back up the mountain to be by himself. In the evening his disciples went down to the sea, got in the boat, and headed back across the water to Capernaum. It had grown quite dark and Jesus had not yet returned. A huge wind blew up, churning the sea. They were maybe three or four miles out when they saw Jesus walking on the sea, quite near the boat. They were scared senseless, but he reassured them, Its me. Its all right. Dont be afraid. So they took him on board. In no time they reached landthe exact spot they were headed to. The next day the crowd that was left behind realized that there had been only one boat, and that Jesus had not gotten into it with his disciples. They had seen them go off without him. By now boats from Tiberias had pulled up near where they had eaten the bread blessed by the Master. So when the crowd realized he was gone and wasnt coming back, they piled into the Tiberias boats and headed for Capernaum, looking for Jesus. When they found him back across the sea, they said, Rabbi, when did you get here? Jesus answered, Youve come looking for me not because you saw God in my actions but because I fed you, filled your stomachsand for free.
THE BREAD OF LIFE 27 Dont waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides. He and what he does are guaranteed by God the Father to last. 28 To that they said, Well, what do we do then to get in on Gods works? 29 Jesus said, Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on Gods works. 30-31 They waffled: Why dont you give us a clue about who you are, just a hint of whats going on? When we see whats up, well commit ourselves. Show us what you can do. Moses fed our ancestors with bread in the desert. It says so in the Scriptures: He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32-33 Jesus responded, The real significance of that Scripture is not that Moses gave you bread from heaven but that my Father is right now offering you bread from heaven, the real bread. The Bread of God came down out of heaven and is giving life to the world. 34 They jumped at that: Master, give us this bread, now and forever!
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Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. 36But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. 37All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. 38For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. REJECTED BY HIS OWN 41The Jews then complained about Him, because He said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. 42And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, I have come down from heaven? 43Jesus therefore answered and said to them, Do not murmur among yourselves. 44No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught by God. a Therefore everyone who has heard and learnedb from the Father comes to Me. 46Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father. 47Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Mea has everlasting life. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. 51I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world. 52The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, How can this Man give us His flesh to eat? 53Then Jesus said to them, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. 54Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For My flesh is food indeed,a and My blood is drink indeed. 56He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in
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6:45 aIsaiah 54:13 bM-Text reads hears and has learned. 6:47 aNU-Text omits in Me. 6:55 aNU-Text reads true food and true drink.
Jesus said, I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you dont really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and dont let go. I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me. This, in a nutshell, is that will: that everything handed over to me by the Father be completednot a single detail missed and at the wrap-up of time I have everything and everyone put together, upright and whole. This is what my Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts who he is and what he does and then aligns with him will enter real life, eternal life. My part is to put them on their feet alive and whole at the completion of time. At this, because he said, I am the Bread that came down from heaven, the Jews started arguing over him: Isnt this the son of Joseph? Dont we know his father? Dont we know his mother? How can he now say, I came down out of heaven and expect anyone to believe him? Jesus said, Dont bicker among yourselves over me. Youre not in charge here. The Father who sent me is in charge. He draws people to methats the only way youll ever come. Only then do I do my work, putting people together, setting them on their feet, ready for the End. This is what the prophets meant when they wrote, And then they will all be personally taught by God. Anyone who has spent any time at all listening to the Father, really listening and therefore learning, comes to me to be taught personallyto see it with his own eyes, hear it with his own ears, from me, since I have it firsthand from the Father. No one has seen the Father except the One who has his Being alongside the Fatherand you can see me. Im telling you the most solemn and sober truth now: Whoever believes in me has real life, eternal life. I am the Bread of Life.Your ancestors ate the manna bread in the desert and died. But now here is Bread that truly comes down out of heaven. Anyone eating this Bread will not die, ever. I am the Breadliving Bread!who came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this Bread will liveand forever! The Bread that I present to the world so that it can eat and live is myself, this flesh-and-blood self. At this, the Jews started fighting among themselves: How can this man serve up his flesh for a meal? But Jesus didnt give an inch. Only insofar as you eat and drink flesh and blood, the flesh and blood of the Son of Man, do you have life within you. The one who brings a hearty appetite to this eating and drinking has eternal life and will be fit and ready for the Final Day. My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. By eating my flesh and drinking my blood you enter into me and I
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him. 57As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58This is the bread which came down from heavennot as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever. 59These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum. MANY DISCIPLES TURN AWAY 60Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can understand it? 61When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, Does this offend you? 62What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? 63It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64But there are some of you who do not believe. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65And He said, Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father. 66From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67Then Jesus said to the twelve, Do you also want to go away? 68But Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.a 70Jesus answered them, Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil? 71He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve. JESUS BROTHERS DISBELIEVE After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jewsa sought to kill Him. 2Now the Jews Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. 3His brothers therefore said to Him, Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. 4For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world. 5For even His brothers did not believe in Him. 6Then Jesus said to them, My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. 8You go up to this feast. I am not yeta going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come. 9When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee.
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into you. In the same way that the fully alive Father sent me here and I live because of him, so the one who makes a meal of me lives because of me. This is the Bread from heaven. Your ancestors ate bread and later died. Whoever eats this Bread will live always. He said these things while teaching in the meeting place in Capernaum.
TOO TOUGH TO SWALLOW 60 Many among his disciples heard this and said, This is tough teaching, too tough to swallow. 61-65 Jesus sensed that his disciples were having a hard time with this and said, Does this throw you completely? What would happen if you saw the Son of Man ascending to where he came from? The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower dont make anything happen. Every word Ive spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making. But some of you are resisting, refusing to have any part in this. (Jesus knew from the start that some werent going to risk themselves with him. He knew also who would betray him.) He went on to say, This is why I told you earlier that no one is capable of coming to me on his own.You get to me only as a gift from the Father. 66-67 After this a lot of his disciples left. They no longer wanted to be associated with him. Then Jesus gave the Twelve their chance: Do you also want to leave? 68-69 Peter replied, Master, to whom would we go? You have the words of real life, eternal life. Weve already committed ourselves, confident that you are the Holy One of God. 70-71 Jesus responded, Havent I handpicked you, the Twelve? Still, one of you is a devil! He was referring to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. This manone from the Twelve! was even then getting ready to betray him.
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Later Jesus was going about his business in Galilee. He didnt want to travel in Judea 7 because the Jews there were looking for a chance to kill him. It was near the time of Tabernacles, a feast observed annually by the Jews. His brothers said, Why dont you leave here and go up to the Feast so your disciples can get a good look at the works you do? No one who intends to be publicly known does everything behind the scenes. If youre serious about what you are doing, come out in the open and show the world. His brothers were pushing him like this because they didnt believe in him either. Jesus came back at them, Dont crowd me. This isnt my time. Its your timeits always your time; you have nothing to lose. The world has nothing against you, but its up in arms against me. Its against me because I expose the evil behind its pretensions. You go ahead, go up to the Feast. Dont wait for me. Im not ready. Its not the right time for me. He said this and stayed on in Galilee. But later, after his family had gone up to the
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Feast, he also went. But he kept out of the way, careful not to draw attention to himself. The Jews were already out looking for him, asking around, Where is that man? There was a lot of contentious talk about him circulating through the crowds. Some were saying, Hes a good man. But others said, Not so. Hes selling snake oil. This kind of talk went on in guarded whispers because of the intimidating Jewish leaders.
THE HEAVENLY SCHOLAR 10But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. 11Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, Where is He? 12And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, He is good; others said, No, on the contrary, He deceives the people. 13However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews. 14Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. 15And the Jews marveled, saying, How does this Man know letters, having never studied? 16Jesusa answered them and said, My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. 18He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. 19Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me? 20The people answered and said, You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You? 21Jesus answered and said to them, I did one work, and you all marvel. 22Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? 24Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. COULD THIS BE THE CHRIST? 25Now some of them from Jerusalem said, Is this not He whom they seek to kill? 26But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is trulya the Christ? 27However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from. 28Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. 29Buta I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me. 30Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. 31And many of the people believed in Him, and said, When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?
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7:16 aNU-Text and M-Text read So Jesus. 7:26 aNU-Text omits truly. 7:29 aNU-Text and M-Text omit But.
COULD IT BE THE MESSIAH? 14-15 With the Feast already half over, Jesus showed up in the Temple, teaching. The Jews were impressed, but puzzled: How does he know so much without being schooled? 16-19 Jesus said, I didnt make this up. What I teach comes from the One who sent me. Anyone who wants to do his will can test this teaching and know whether its from God or whether Im making it up. A person making things up tries to make himself look good. But someone trying to honor the one who sent him sticks to the facts and doesnt tamper with reality. It was Moses, wasnt it, who gave you Gods Law? But none of you are living it. So why are you trying to kill me? 20 The crowd said, Youre crazy! Whos trying to kill you? Youre demon-possessed. 21-24 Jesus said, I did one miraculous thing a few months ago, and youre still standing around getting all upset, wondering what Im up to. Moses prescribed circumcision originally it came not from Moses but from his ancestorsand so you circumcise a man, dealing with one part of his body, even if its the Sabbath. You do this in order to preserve one item in the Law of Moses. So why are you upset with me because I made a mans whole body well on the Sabbath? Dont be nitpickers; use your headand heart!to discern what is right, to test what is authentically right. 25-27 Thats when some of the people of Jerusalem said, Isnt this the one they were out to kill? And here he is out in the open, saying whatever he pleases, and no one is stopping him. Could it be that the rulers know that he is, in fact, the Messiah? And yet we know where this man came from. The Messiah is going to come out of nowhere. Nobody is going to know where he comes from. 28-29 That provoked Jesus, who was teaching in the Temple, to cry out, Yes, you think you know me and where Im from, but thats not where Im from. I didnt set myself up in business. My true origin is in the One who sent me, and you dont know him at all. I come from himthats how I know him. He sent me here. 30-31 They were looking for a way to arrest him, but not a hand was laid on him because it wasnt yet Gods time. Many from the crowd committed themselves in faith to him, saying, Will the Messiah, when he comes, provide better or more convincing evidence than this?
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JESUS AND THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS 32The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. 33Then Jesus said to them,a I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me. 34You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come. 35Then the Jews said among themselves, Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36What is this thing that He said, You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come? THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 37On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. 39But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believinga in Him would receive; for the Holyb Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. WHO IS HE? 40Therefore manya from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, Truly this is the Prophet. 41Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Will the Christ come out of Galilee? 42Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was? 43So there was a division among the people because of Him. 44Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him. REJECTED BY THE AUTHORITIES 45Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, Why have you not brought Him? 46The officers answered, No man ever spoke like this Man! 47Then the Pharisees answered them, Are you also deceived? 48Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed. 50Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night,a being one of them) said to them, 51Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing? 52They answered and said to him, Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisena out of Galilee. AN ADULTERESS FACES THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 53And everyone went to his own house.a But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2Now earlya in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them.
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The Pharisees, alarmed at this seditious undertow going through the crowd, teamed up with the high priests and sent their police to arrest him. Jesus rebuffed them: I am with you only a short time. Then I go on to the One who sent me. You will look for me, but you wont find me. Where I am, you cant come. The Jews put their heads together. Where do you think he is going that we wont be able to find him? Do you think he is about to travel to the Greek world to teach the Jews? What is he talking about, anyway: You will look for me, but you wont find me, and Where I am, you cant come? On the final and climactic day of the Feast, Jesus took his stand. He cried out, If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says. (He said this in regard to the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were about to receive. The Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.) Those in the crowd who heard these words were saying, This has to be the Prophet. Others said, He is the Messiah! But others were saying, The Messiah doesnt come from Galilee, does he? Dont the Scriptures tell us that the Messiah comes from Davids line and from Bethlehem, Davids village? So there was a split in the crowd over him. Some went so far as wanting to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him. Thats when the Temple police reported back to the high priests and Pharisees, who demanded, Why didnt you bring him with you? The police answered, Have you heard the way he talks? Weve never heard anyone speak like this man. The Pharisees said, Are you carried away like the rest of the rabble? You dont see any of the leaders believing in him, do you? Or any from the Pharisees? Its only this crowd, ignorant of Gods Law, that is taken in by himand damned. Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus earlier and was both a ruler and a Pharisee, spoke up. Does our Law decide about a mans guilt without first listening to him and finding out what he is doing? But they cut him off. Are you also campaigning for the Galilean? Examine the evidence. See if any prophet ever comes from Galilee. Then they all went home.
TO THROW THE STONE 1-2 Jesus went across to Mount Olives, but he was soon back in the Temple again. Swarms of people came to him. He sat down and taught them.
7:33 aNU-Text and M-Text omit to them. 7:39 aNU-Text reads who believed. bNU-Text omits Holy. 7:40 aNU-Text reads some. 7:50 aNU-Text reads before. 7:52 aNU-Text reads is to rise. 7:53 aThe words And everyone through sin no more (8:11) are bracketed by NU-Text as not original. They are present in over 900 manuscripts. 8:2 aM-Text reads very early.
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the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4they said to Him, Teacher, this woman was caughta in adultery, in the very act. 5Now Moses, in the law, commandeda us that such should be stoned.b But what do You say?c 6This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.a 7So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself upa and said to them, He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first. 8And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience,a went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her,a Woman, where are those accusers of yours?b Has no one condemned you? 11She said, No one, Lord. And Jesus said to her, Neither do I condemn you; go anda sin no more. 12Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. JESUS DEFENDS HIS SELF-WITNESS 13The Pharisees therefore said to Him, You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true. 14Jesus answered and said to them, Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. 15You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me. 17It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. 18I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me. 19Then they said to Him, Where is Your Father? Jesus answered, You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. 20These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come. JESUS PREDICTS HIS DEPARTURE 21Then Jesus said to them again, I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.
8:4 aM-Text reads we found this woman. 8:5 aM-Text reads in our law Moses commanded. bNU-Text and M-Text read to stone such. cM-Text adds about her. 8:6 aNU-Text and M-Text omit as though He did not hear. 8:7 aM-Text reads He looked up. 8:9 aNU-Text and M-Text omit being convicted by their conscience. 8:10 aNU-Text omits and saw no one but the woman; M-Text reads He saw her and said. bNU-Text and M-Text omit of yours. 8:11 aNU-Text and M-Text add from now on.
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The religion scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone and said, Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say? They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone. Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt. Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. Jesus stood up and spoke to her. Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you? No one, Master. Neither do I, said Jesus. Go on your way. From now on, dont sin.
YOURE MISSING GOD IN ALL THIS 12 Jesus once again addressed them: I am the worlds Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in. 13 The Pharisees objected, All we have is your word on this. We need more than this to go on. 14-18 Jesus replied, Youre right that you only have my word. But you can depend on it being true. I know where Ive come from and where I go next. You dont know where Im from or where Im headed. You decide according to what you can see and touch. I dont make judgments like that. But even if I did, my judgment would be true because I wouldnt make it out of the narrowness of my experience but in the largeness of the One who sent me, the Father. That fulfills the conditions set down in Gods Law: that you can count on the testimony of two witnesses. And that is what you have: You have my word and you have the word of the Father who sent me. 19 They said, Where is this so-called Father of yours? Jesus said, Youre looking right at me and you dont see me. How do you expect to see the Father? If you knew me, you would at the same time know the Father. 20 He gave this speech in the Treasury while teaching in the Temple. No one arrested him because his time wasnt yet up. 21 Then he went over the same ground again. Im leaving and you are going to look for me, but youre missing God in this and are headed for a dead end. There is no way you can come with me.
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the Jews said, Will He kill Himself, because He says, Where I go you cannot come? 23And He said to them, You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins. 25Then they said to Him, Who are You? And Jesus said to them, Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning. 26I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him. 27They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father. 28Then Jesus said to them, When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. 29And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him. 30As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE 31Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33They answered Him, We are Abrahams descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, You will be made free? 34Jesus answered them, Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. ABRAHAMS SEED AND SATANS 37I know that you are Abrahams descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen witha your father. 39They answered and said to Him, Abraham is our father. Jesus said to them, If you were Abrahams children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41You do the deeds of your father. Then they said to Him, We were not born of fornication; we have one FatherGod. 42Jesus said to them, If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth
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The Jews said, So, is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by You cant come with me? Jesus said, Youre tied down to the mundane; Im in touch with what is beyond your horizons. You live in terms of what you see and touch. Im living on other terms. I told you that you were missing God in all this. Youre at a dead end. If you wont believe I am who I say I am, youre at the dead end of sins.Youre missing God in your lives. They said to him, Just who are you anyway? Jesus said, What Ive said from the start. I have so many things to say that concern you, judgments to make that affect you, but if you dont accept the trustworthiness of the One who commanded my words and acts, none of it matters. That is who you are questioningnot me but the One who sent me. They still didnt get it, didnt realize that he was referring to the Father. So Jesus tried again. When you raise up the Son of Man, then you will know who I amthat Im not making this up, but speaking only what the Father taught me. The One who sent me stays with me. He doesnt abandon me. He sees how much joy I take in pleasing him. When he put it in these terms, many people decided to believe.
8:38 aNU-Text reads heard from.
IF THE SON SETS YOU FREE 31-32 Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you. 33 Surprised, they said, But were descendants of Abraham. Weve never been slaves to anyone. How can you say, The truth will free you? 34-38 Jesus said, I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave is a transient, who cant come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through. I know you are Abrahams descendants. But I also know that you are trying to kill me because my message hasnt yet penetrated your thick skulls. Im talking about things I have seen while keeping company with the Father, and you just go on doing what you have heard from your father. 39-41 They were indignant. Our father is Abraham! Jesus said, If you were Abrahams children, you would have been doing the things Abraham did. And yet here you are trying to kill me, a man who has spoken to you the truth he got straight from God! Abraham never did that sort of thing.You persist in repeating the works of your father. They said, Were not bastards. We have a legitimate father: the one and only God. 42-47 If God were your father, said Jesus, you would love me, for I came from God
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and arrived here. I didnt come on my own. He sent me. Why cant you understand one word I say? Heres why: You cant handle it. Youre from your father, the Devil, and all you want to do is please him. He was a killer from the very start. He couldnt stand the truth because there wasnt a shred of truth in him. When the Liar speaks, he makes it up out of his lying nature and fills the world with lies. I arrive on the scene, tell you the plain truth, and you refuse to have a thing to do with me. Can any one of you convict me of a single misleading word, a single sinful act? But if Im telling the truth, why dont you believe me? Anyone on Gods side listens to Gods words. This is why youre not listeningbecause youre not on Gods side. I AM WHO I AM 48 The Jews then said, That clinches it. We were right all along when we called you a Samaritan and said you were crazy demon-possessed! 49-51 Jesus said, Im not crazy. I simply honor my Father, while you dishonor me. I am not trying to get anything for myself. God intends something gloriously grand here and is making the decisions that will bring it about. I say this with absolute confidence. If you practice what Im telling you, youll never have to look death in the face. 52-53 At this point the Jews said, Now we know youre crazy. Abraham died. The prophets died. And you show up saying, If you practice what Im telling you, youll never have to face death, not even a taste. Are you greater than Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you think you are! 54-56 Jesus said, If I turned the spotlight on myself, it wouldnt amount to anything. But my Father, the same One you say is your Father, put me here at this time and place of splendor. You havent recognized him in this. But I have. If I, in false modesty, said I didnt know what was going on, I would be as much of a liar as you are. But I do know, and I am doing what he says. Abraham your fatherwith jubilant faith looked down the corridors of history and saw my day coming. He saw it and cheered. 57 The Jews said, Youre not even fifty years oldand Abraham saw you? 58 Believe me, said Jesus, I am who I am long before Abraham was anything. 59 That did itpushed them over the edge. They picked up rocks to throw at him. But Jesus slipped away, getting out of the Temple. TRUE BLINDNESS 1-2 Walking down the street, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, Rabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind? 3-5 Jesus said, Youre asking the wrong question. Youre looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who
and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47He who is of God hears Gods words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God. BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS, I AM 48Then the Jews answered and said to Him, Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon? 49Jesus answered, I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death. 52Then the Jews said to Him, Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death. 53Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be? 54Jesus answered, If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is youra God. 55Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, I do not know Him, I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad. 57Then the Jews said to Him, You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham? 58Jesus said to them, Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM. 59Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple,a going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
A MAN BORN BLIND RECEIVES SIGHT Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2And His disciples asked Him, saying, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? 3Jesus answered, Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4Ia must work the
8:54 aNU-Text and M-Text read our. 8:59 aNU-Text omits the rest of this verse. 9:4 aNU-Text reads We.
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works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 6When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7And He said to him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing. 8Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blinda said, Is not this he who sat and begged? 9Some said, This is he. Others said, He is like him.a He said, I am he. 10Therefore they said to him, How were your eyes opened? 11He answered and said, A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, Go to the pool ofa Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and I received sight. 12Then they said to him, Where is He? He said, I do not know. THE PHARISEES EXCOMMUNICATE THE HEALED MAN 13They brought him who formerly was blind to the Pharisees. 14Now it was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15Then the Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight. He said to them, He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see. 16Therefore some of the Pharisees said, This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath. Others said, How can a man who is a sinner do such signs? And there was a division among them. 17They said to the blind man again, What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes? He said, He is a prophet. 18But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. 19And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see? 20His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself. 22His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23Therefore his parents said, He is of age; ask him. 24So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner. 25He answered and said, Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see. 26Then they said to him again, What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?
9:8 aNU-Text reads a beggar. 9:9 aNU-Text reads No, but he is like him. 9:11 aNU-Text omits the pool of.
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sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the worlds Light. He said this and then spit in the dust, made a clay paste with the saliva, rubbed the paste on the blind mans eyes, and said, Go, wash at the Pool of Siloam (Siloam means Sent). The man went and washedand saw. Soon the town was buzzing. His relatives and those who year after year had seen him as a blind man begging were saying, Why, isnt this the man we knew, who sat here and begged? Others said, Its him all right! But others objected, Its not the same man at all. It just looks like him. He said, Its me, the very one. They said, How did your eyes get opened? A man named Jesus made a paste and rubbed it on my eyes and told me, Go to Siloam and wash. I did what he said. When I washed, I saw. So where is he? I dont know. They marched the man to the Pharisees. This day when Jesus made the paste and healed his blindness was the Sabbath. The Pharisees grilled him again on how he had come to see. He said, He put a clay paste on my eyes, and I washed, and now I see. Some of the Pharisees said, Obviously, this man cant be from God. He doesnt keep the Sabbath. Others countered, How can a bad man do miraculous, God-revealing things like this? There was a split in their ranks. They came back at the blind man, Youre the expert. He opened your eyes. What do you say about him? He said, He is a prophet. The Jews didnt believe it, didnt believe the man was blind to begin with. So they called the parents of the man now brighteyed with sight. They asked them, Is this your son, the one you say was born blind? So how is it that he now sees? His parents said, We know he is our son, and we know he was born blind. But we dont know how he came to seehavent a clue about who opened his eyes. Why dont you ask him? Hes a grown man and can speak for himself. (His parents were talking like this because they were intimidated by the Jewish leaders, who had already decided that anyone who took a stand that this was the Messiah would be kicked out of the meeting place. Thats why his parents said, Ask him. Hes a grown man.) They called the man back a second timethe man who had been blindand told him, Give credit to God. We know this man is an impostor. He replied, I know nothing about that one way or the other. But I know one thing for sure: I was blind . . . I now see. They said, What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?
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answered them, I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples? 28Then they reviled him and said, You are His disciple, but we are Moses disciples. 29We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from. 30The man answered and said to them, Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! 31Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. 32Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. 33If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing. 34They answered and said to him, You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us? And they cast him out. TRUE VISION AND TRUE BLINDNESS 35Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, Do you believe in the Son of God?a 36He answered and said, Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him? 37And Jesus said to him, You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you. 38Then he said, Lord, I believe! And he worshiped Him. 39And Jesus said, For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind. 40Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, Are we blind also? 41Jesus said to them, If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, We see. Therefore your sin remains.
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Ive told you over and over and you havent listened. Why do you want to hear it again? Are you so eager to become his disciples? With that they jumped all over him. You might be a disciple of that man, but were disciples of Moses. We know for sure that God spoke to Moses, but we have no idea where this man even comes from. The man replied, This is amazing! You claim to know nothing about him, but the fact is, he opened my eyes! Its well known that God isnt at the beck and call of sinners, but listens carefully to anyone who lives in reverence and does his will. That someone opened the eyes of a man born blind has never been heard ofever. If this man didnt come from God, he wouldnt be able to do anything. They said, Youre nothing but dirt! How dare you take that tone with us! Then they threw him out in the street. Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and went and found him. He asked him, Do you believe in the Son of Man? The man said, Point him out to me, sir, so that I can believe in him. Jesus said, Youre looking right at him. Dont you recognize my voice? Master, I believe, the man said, and worshiped him. Jesus then said, I came into the world to bring everything into the clear light of day, making all the distinctions clear, so that those who have never seen will see, and those who have made a great pretense of seeing will be exposed as blind. Some Pharisees overheard him and said, Does that mean youre calling us blind? Jesus said, If you were really blind, you would be blameless, but since you claim to see everything so well, youre accountable for every fault and failure.
JESUS THE TRUE SHEPHERD Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. 6Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.
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JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD 7Then Jesus said to them again, Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8All who ever came before Mea are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
9:35 aNU-Text reads Son of Man. Me. 10:8 aM-Text omits before
HE CALLS HIS SHEEP BY NAME 1-5 Let me set this before you as plainly as I can. If a person climbs over or through the fence of a sheep pen instead of going through the gate, you know hes up to no gooda sheep rustler! The shepherd walks right up to the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. They wont follow a strangers voice but will scatter because they arent used to the sound of it. 6-10 Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. Ill be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no goodsheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didnt listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared forwill freely go in and out, and find pas-
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thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. 17Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father. 19Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 20And many of them said, He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him? 21Others said, These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind? THE SHEPHERD KNOWS HIS SHEEP 22Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomons porch. 24Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly. 25Jesus answered them, I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Fathers name, they bear witness of Me. 26But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.a 27My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Fathers hand. 30I and My Father are one. RENEWED EFFORTS TO STONE JESUS 31Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 32Jesus answered them, Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me? 33The Jews answered Him, saying, For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God. 34Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, You are gods ? a 35If He called them gods, to whom the word of God
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ture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary. A hired man is not a real shepherd. The sheep mean nothing to him. He sees a wolf come and runs for it, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf. Hes only in it for the money. The sheep dont matter to him. I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me. In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary. You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. Theyll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd. This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay down my life. And so I am free to take it up again. No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down; I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority personally from my Father. This kind of talk caused another split in the Jewish ranks. A lot of them were saying, Hes crazy, a maniacout of his head completely. Why bother listening to him? But others werent so sure: These arent the words of a crazy man. Can a maniac open blind eyes?
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10:34 aPsalm 82:6
They were celebrating Hanukkah just then in Jerusalem. It was winter. Jesus was strolling in the Temple across Solomons Porch. The Jews, circling him, said, How long are you going to keep us guessing? If youre the Messiah, tell us straight out. Jesus answered, I told you, but you dont believe. Everything I have done has been authorized by my Father, actions that speak louder than words. You dont believe because youre not my sheep. My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand. The Father who put them under my care is so much greater than the Destroyer and Thief. No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind. Again the Jews picked up rocks to throw at him. Jesus said, I have made a present to you from the Father of a great many good actions. For which of these acts do you stone me? The Jews said, Were not stoning you for anything good you did, but for what you saidthis blasphemy of calling yourself God. Jesus said, Im only quoting your inspired Scriptures, where God said, I tell youyou are gods. If God called your an-
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cestors godsand Scripture doesnt lie why do you yell, Blasphemer! Blasphemer! at the unique One the Father consecrated and sent into the world, just because I said, I am the Son of God? If I dont do the things my Father does, well and good; dont believe me. But if I am doing them, put aside for a moment what you hear me say about myself and just take the evidence of the actions that are right before your eyes. Then perhaps things will come together for you, and youll see that not only are we doing the same thing, we are the sameFather and Son. He is in me; I am in him. They tried yet again to arrest him, but he slipped through their fingers. He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and stayed there. A lot of people followed him over. They were saying, John did no miracles, but everything he said about this man has come true. Many believed in him then and there.
came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), 36do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, You are blaspheming, because I said, I am the Son of God? 37If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believea that the Father is in Me, and I in Him. 39Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand. THE BELIEVERS BEYOND JORDAN 40And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. 41Then many came to Him and said, John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true. 42And many believed in Him there.
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THE DEATH OF LAZARUS Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick. 4When Jesus heard that, He said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it. 5Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7Then after this He said to the disciples, Let us go to Judea again. 8The disciples said to Him, Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again? 9Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. 11These things He said, and after that He said to them, Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up. 12Then His disciples said, Lord, if he sleeps he will get well. 13However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. 14Then Jesus said to them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him. 16Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with Him.
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I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE 17So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two milesa
10:38 aNU-Text reads understand. dia 11:18 aLiterally fifteen sta-
THE DEATH OF LAZARUS 1-3 A man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. This was the same Mary who massaged the Lords feet with aromatic oils and then wiped them with her hair. It was her brother Lazarus who was sick. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, Master, the one you love so very much is sick. 4 When Jesus got the message, he said, This sickness is not fatal. It will become an occasion to show Gods glory by glorifying Gods Son. 5-7 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, but oddly, when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed on where he was for two more days. After the two days, he said to his disciples, Lets go back to Judea. 8 They said, Rabbi, you cant do that. The Jews are out to kill you, and youre going back? 9-10 Jesus replied, Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in daylight doesnt stumble because theres plenty of light from the sun. Walking at night, he might very well stumble because he cant see where hes going. 11 He said these things, and then announced, Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep. Im going to wake him up. 12-13 The disciples said, Master, if hes gone to sleep, hell get a good rest and wake up feeling fine. Jesus was talking about death, while his disciples thought he was talking about taking a nap. 14-15 Then Jesus became explicit: Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasnt there. Youre about to be given new grounds for believing. Now lets go to him. 16 Thats when Thomas, the one called the Twin, said to his companions, Come along. We might as well die with him. 17-20 When Jesus finally got there, he found Lazarus already four days dead. Bethany was near Jerusalem, only a couple of miles
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away. 19And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21Now Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You. 23Jesus said to her, Your brother will rise again. 24Martha said to Him, I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? 27She said to Him, Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world. JESUS AND DEATH, THE LAST ENEMY 28And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, The Teacher has come and is calling for you. 29As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. 30Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but wasa in the place where Martha met Him. 31Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, She is going to the tomb to weep there.a 32Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 33Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34And He said, Where have you laid him? They said to Him, Lord, come and see. 35Jesus wept. 36Then the Jews said, See how He loved him! 37And some of them said, Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying? LAZARUS RAISED FROM THE DEAD 38Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39Jesus said, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days. 40Jesus said to her, Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God? 41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying.a And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me. 43Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice,
11:30 aNU-Text adds still. 11:31 aNU-Text reads supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 11:41 aNUText omits from the place where the dead man was lying.
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away, and many of the Jews were visiting Martha and Mary, sympathizing with them over their brother. Martha heard Jesus was coming and went out to meet him. Mary remained in the house. Martha said, Master, if youd been here, my brother wouldnt have died. Even now, I know that whatever you ask God he will give you. Jesus said, Your brother will be raised up. Martha replied, I know that he will be raised up in the resurrection at the end of time. You dont have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this? Yes, Master. All along I have believed that you are the Messiah, the Son of God who comes into the world. After saying this, she went to her sister Mary and whispered in her ear, The Teacher is here and is asking for you. The moment she heard that, she jumped up and ran out to him. Jesus had not yet entered the town but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When her sympathizing Jewish friends saw Mary run off, they followed her, thinking she was on her way to the tomb to weep there. Mary came to where Jesus was waiting and fell at his feet, saying, Master, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. When Jesus saw her sobbing and the Jews with her sobbing, a deep anger welled up within him. He said, Where did you put him? Master, come and see, they said. Now Jesus wept. The Jews said, Look how deeply he loved him. Others among them said, Well, if he loved him so much, why didnt he do something to keep him from dying? After all, he opened the eyes of a blind man. Then Jesus, the anger again welling up within him, arrived at the tomb. It was a simple cave in the hillside with a slab of stone laid against it. Jesus said, Remove the stone. The sister of the dead man, Martha, said, Master, by this time theres a stench. Hes been dead four days! Jesus looked her in the eye. Didnt I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God? Then, to the others, Go ahead, take away the stone. They removed the stone. Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, Father, Im grateful that you have listened to me. I know you always do listen, but on account of this crowd standing here Ive spoken so that they might believe that you sent me. Then he shouted, Lazarus, come out! And he came out, a cadaver, wrapped from
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head to toe, and with a kerchief over his face. Jesus told them, Unwrap him and let him loose. THE MAN WHO CREATES GOD-SIGNS 45-48 That was a turnaround for many of the Jews who were with Mary. They saw what Jesus did, and believed in him. But some went back to the Pharisees and told on Jesus. The high priests and Pharisees called a meeting of the Jewish ruling body. What do we do now? they asked. This man keeps on doing things, creating God-signs. If we let him go on, pretty soon everyone will be believing in him and the Romans will come and remove what little power and privilege we still have. 49-52 Then one of themit was Caiaphas, the designated Chief Priest that yearspoke up, Dont you know anything? Cant you see that its to our advantage that one man dies for the people rather than the whole nation be destroyed? He didnt say this of his own accord, but as Chief Priest that year he unwittingly prophesied that Jesus was about to die sacrificially for the nation, and not only for the nation but so that all Gods exilescattered children might be gathered together into one people. 53-54 From that day on, they plotted to kill him. So Jesus no longer went out in public among the Jews. He withdrew into the country bordering the desert to a town called Ephraim and secluded himself there with his disciples. 55-56 The Jewish Passover was coming up. Crowds of people were making their way from the country up to Jerusalem to get themselves ready for the Feast. They were curious about Jesus. There was a lot of talk of him among those standing around in the Temple: What do you think? Do you think hell show up at the Feast or not? 57 Meanwhile, the high priests and Pharisees gave out the word that anyone getting wind of him should inform them. They were all set to arrest him. ANOINTING HIS FEET 1-3 Six days before Passover, Jesus entered Bethany where Lazarus, so recently raised from the dead, was living. Lazarus and his sisters invited Jesus to dinner at their home. Martha served. Lazarus was one of those sitting at the table with them. Mary came in with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, anointed and massaged Jesus feet, and then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance of the oils filled the house. 4-6 Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him, said, Why wasnt this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces. He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them.
Lazarus, come forth! 44And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, Loose him, and let him go. THE PLOT TO KILL JESUS 45Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. 46But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. 47Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation. 49And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, You know nothing at all, 50nor do you consider that it is expedient for usa that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish. 51Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 53Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples. 55And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, What do you thinkthat He will not come to the feast? 57Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.
THE ANOINTING AT BETHANY Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead,a whom He had raised from the dead. 2There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simons son, who would betray Him, said, 5Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denariia and given to the poor? 6This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.
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11:50 aNU-Text reads you. 12:1 aNU-Text omits who had been dead. 12:5 aAbout one years wages for a worker
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Jesus said, Let her alone; she has kepta this for the day of My burial. 8For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always. THE PLOT TO KILL LAZARUS 9Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY 12The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! a The King of Israel!
14Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 15Fear 7But 7-8
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Jesus said, Let her alone. Shes anticipating and honoring the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you. You dont always have me. Word got out among the Jews that he was back in town. The people came to take a look, not only at Jesus but also at Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead. So the high priests plotted to kill Lazarus because so many of the Jews were going over and believing in Jesus on account of him.
SEE HOW YOUR KING COMES 12-15 The next day the huge crowd that had arrived for the Feast heard that Jesus was entering Jerusalem. They broke off palm branches and went out to meet him. And they cheered: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in Gods name! Yes! The King of Israel! Jesus got a young donkey and rode it, just as the Scripture has it: No fear, Daughter Zion: See how your king comes, riding a donkeys colt.
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not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkeys colt. a
16His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 17Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!
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The disciples didnt notice the fulfillment of many Scriptures at the time, but after Jesus was glorified, they remembered that what was written about him matched what was done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, was there giving eyewitness accounts. It was because they had spread the word of this latest God-sign that the crowd swelled to a welcoming parade. The Pharisees took one look and threw up their hands: Its out of control. The worlds in a stampede after him.
THE FRUITFUL GRAIN OF WHEAT 20Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, Sir, we wish to see Jesus. 22Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23But Jesus answered them, saying, The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
12:7 aNU-Text reads that she may keep. 12:15 aZechariah 9:9 12:13 aPsalm 118:26
A GRAIN OF WHEAT MUST DIE 20-21 There were some Greeks in town who had come up to worship at the Feast. They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee: Sir, we want to see Jesus. Can you help us? 22-23 Philip went and told Andrew. Andrew and Philip together told Jesus. Jesus answered, Times up. The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24-25 Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, youll have it forever, real and eternal. 26 If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then youll be where I am, ready to serve at a moments notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me.
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JESUS PREDICTS HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS 27Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28Father, glorify Your name. Then a voice came from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it and will glorify it again. 29Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, An angel has spoken to Him. 30Jesus answered and said, This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself. 33This He said, signifying by what death He would die. 34The people answered Him, We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, The Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man? 35Then Jesus said to them, A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light. These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT? 37But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? a
39Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: 40He
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Right now I am storm-tossed. And what am I going to say? Father, get me out of this? No, this is why I came in the first place. Ill say, Father, put your glory on display. A voice came out of the sky: I have glorified it, and Ill glorify it again. The listening crowd said, Thunder! Others said, An angel spoke to him! Jesus said, The voice didnt come for me but for you. At this moment the world is in crisis. Now Satan, the ruler of this world, will be thrown out. And I, as I am lifted up from the earth, will attract everyone to me and gather them around me. He put it this way to show how he was going to be put to death. Voices from the crowd answered, We heard from Gods Law that the Messiah lasts forever. How can it be necessary, as you put it, that the Son of Man be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man? Jesus said, For a brief time still, the light is among you. Walk by the light you have so darkness doesnt destroy you. If you walk in darkness, you dont know where youre going. As you have the light, believe in the light. Then the light will be within you, and shining through your lives. Youll be children of light.
THEIR EYES ARE BLINDED 36-40 Jesus said all this, and then went into hiding. All these God-signs he had given them and they still didnt get it, still wouldnt trust him. This proved that the prophet Isaiah was right: God, who believed what we preached? Who recognized Gods arm, outstretched and ready to act? First they wouldnt believe, then they couldntagain, just as Isaiah said: Their eyes are blinded, their hearts are hardened, So that they wouldnt see with their eyes and perceive with their hearts, And turn to me, God, so I could heal them.
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has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see with their eyes, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them. a
41These things Isaiah said whena he saw His glory and spoke of Him.
WALK IN THE LIGHT 42Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 44Then Jesus cried out and said, He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.
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12:38 aIsaiah 53:1 because.
12:40 aIsaiah 6:10
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Isaiah said these things after he got a glimpse of Gods cascading brightness that would pour through the Messiah. On the other hand, a considerable number from the ranks of the leaders did believe. But because of the Pharisees, they didnt come out in the open with it. They were afraid of getting kicked out of the meeting place. When push came to shove they cared more for human approval than for Gods glory. Jesus summed it all up when he cried out, Whoever believes in me, believes not just in me but in the One who sent me. Whoever looks at me is looking, in fact, at the One who sent me. I am Light that has come into the world so that all who believe in me wont have to stay any longer in the dark.
JOHN 13:18
if anyone hears My words and does not believe,a I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges himthe word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.
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If anyone hears what I am saying and doesnt take it seriously, I dont reject him. I didnt come to reject the world; I came to save the world. But you need to know that whoever puts me off, refusing to take in what Im saying, is willfully choosing rejection. The Word, the Word-made-flesh that I have spoken and that I am, that Word and no other is the last word. Im not making any of this up on my own. The Father who sent me gave me orders, told me what to say and how to say it. And I know exactly what his command produces: real and eternal life. Thats all I have to say. What the Father told me, I tell you.
JESUS WASHES THE DISCIPLES FEET Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2And supper being ended,a the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simons son, to betray Him, 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, Lord, are You washing my feet? 7Jesus answered and said to him, What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this. 8Peter said to Him, You shall never wash my feet! Jesus answered him, If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me. 9Simon Peter said to Him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head! 10Jesus said to him, He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you. 11For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, You are not all clean. 12So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, Do you know what I have done to you? 13You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one anothers feet. 15For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
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JESUS IDENTIFIES HIS BETRAYER 18I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scrip-
WASHING HIS DISCIPLES FEET 1-2 Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come to leave this world to go to the Father. Having loved his dear companions, he continued to love them right to the end. It was suppertime. The Devil by now had Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, firmly in his grip, all set for the betrayal. 3-6 Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, Master, you wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered, You dont understand now what Im doing, but it will be clear enough to you later. 8 Peter persisted, Youre not going to wash my feetever! Jesus said, If I dont wash you, you cant be part of what Im doing. 9 Master! said Peter. Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head! 10-12 Jesus said, If youve had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and youre clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now youre clean. But not every one of you. (He knew who was betraying him. Thats why he said, Not every one of you.) After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table. 12-17 Then he said, Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as Teacher and Master, and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each others feet. Ive laid down a pattern for you. What Ive done, you do. Im only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesnt give orders to the employer. If you understand what Im telling you, act like itand live a blessed life.
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12:47 aNU-Text reads keep them. during supper.
13:2 aNU-Text reads And
THE ONE WHO ATE BREAD AT MY TABLE 18-20 Im not including all of you in this. I know precisely whom Ive selected, so as not to interfere with the fulfillment of this Scripture:
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The one who ate bread at my table Turned on his heel against me. Im telling you all this ahead of time so that when it happens you will believe that I am who I say I am. Make sure you get this right: Receiving someone I send is the same as receiving me, just as receiving me is the same as receiving the One who sent me. After he said these things, Jesus became visibly upset, and then he told them why. One of you is going to betray me. The disciples looked around at one another, wondering who on earth he was talking about. One of the disciples, the one Jesus loved dearly, was reclining against him, his head on his shoulder. Peter motioned to him to ask who Jesus might be talking about. So, being the closest, he said, Master, who? Jesus said, The one to whom I give this crust of bread after Ive dipped it. Then he dipped the crust and gave it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. As soon as the bread was in his hand, Satan entered him. What you must do, said Jesus, do. Do it and get it over with. No one around the supper table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that since Judas was their treasurer, Jesus was telling him to buy what they needed for the Feast, or that he should give something to the poor. Judas, with the piece of bread, left. It was night.
ture may be fulfilled, He who eats bread with Mea has lifted up his heel against Me. b 19Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He. 20Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. 21When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me. 22Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke. 23Now there was leaning on Jesus bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke. 25Then, leaning backa on Jesus breast, he said to Him, Lord, who is it? 26Jesus answered, It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it. And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, What you do, do quickly. 28But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. 29For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, Buy those things we need for the feast, or that he should give something to the poor. 30Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night. THE NEW COMMANDMENT 31So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. 33Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, Where I am going, you cannot come, so now I say to you. 34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. JESUS PREDICTS PETERS DENIAL 36Simon Peter said to Him, Lord, where are You going? Jesus answered him, Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward. 37Peter said to Him, Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake. 38Jesus answered him, Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.
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A NEW COMMAND 31-32 When he had left, Jesus said, Now the Son of Man is seen for who he is, and God seen for who he is in him. The moment God is seen in him, Gods glory will be on display. In glorifying him, he himself is glorified glory all around! 33 Children, I am with you for only a short time longer. You are going to look high and low for me. But just as I told the Jews, Im telling you: Where I go, you are not able to come. 34-35 Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples when they see the love you have for each other. 36 Simon Peter asked, Master, just where are you going? Jesus answered, You cant now follow me where Im going.You will follow later. 37 Master, said Peter, why cant I follow now? Ill lay down my life for you! 38 Really? Youll lay down your life for me? The truth is that before the rooster crows, youll deny me three times.
13:18 aNU-Text reads My bread. bPsalm 41:9 and M-Text add thus.
13:25 aNU-Text
JOHN 14:22
THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2In My Fathers house are many mansions;a if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.b 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4And where I go you know, and the way you know. 5Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way? 6Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. THE ROAD
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Dont let this throw you.You trust God, dont you? Trust me. There is plenty of 14 room for you in my Fathers home. If that werent so, would I have told you that Im on my way to get a room ready for you? And if Im on my way to get your room ready, Ill come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road Im taking. Thomas said, Master, we have no idea where youre going. How do you expect us to know the road? Jesus said, I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him.Youve even seen him! Philip said, Master, show us the Father; then well be content. Youve been with me all this time, Philip, and you still dont understand? To see me is to see the Father. So how can you ask, Where is the Father? Dont you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you arent mere words. I dont just make them up on my own. The Father who resides in me crafts each word into a divine act. Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you cant believe that, believe what you seethese works. The person who trusts me will not only do what Im doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that Ive been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, Ill do it. Thats how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, Ill do.
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THE FATHER REVEALED 7If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him. 8Philip said to Him, Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us. 9Jesus said to him, Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, Show us the Father? 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. THE ANSWERED PRAYER 12Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If you aska anything in My name, I will do it. JESUS PROMISES ANOTHER HELPER 15If you love Me, keepa My commandments. 16And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever 17the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. INDWELLING OF THE FATHER AND THE SON 19A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him. 22Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?
14:2 aLiterally dwellings bNU-Text adds a word which would cause the text to read either if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? or if it were not so I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 14:14 aNU-Text adds Me. 14:15 aNU-Text reads you will keep.
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THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH 15-17 If you love me, show it by doing what Ive told you. I will talk to the Father, and hell provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world cant take him in because it doesnt have eyes to see him, doesnt know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you! 18-20 I will not leave you orphaned. Im coming back. In just a little while the world will no longer see me, but youre going to see me because I am alive and youre about to come alive. At that moment you will know absolutely that Im in my Father, and youre in me, and Im in you. 21 The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, thats who loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and make myself plain to him. 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said, Master, why is it that you are about to make yourself plain to us but not to the world?
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answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Fathers who sent Me. THE GIFT OF HIS PEACE 25These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28You have heard Me say to you, I am going away and coming back to you. If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said,a I am going to the Father, for My Father is greater than I. 29And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. 30I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. 31But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.
23Jesus
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Because a loveless world, said Jesus, is a sightless world. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love himwell move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isnt mine. Its the message of the Father who sent me. Im telling you these things while Im still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. Im leaving you well and whole. Thats my parting gift to you. Peace. I dont leave you the way youre used to being leftfeeling abandoned, bereft. So dont be upset. Dont be distraught. Youve heard me tell you, Im going away, and Im coming back. If you loved me, you would be glad that Im on my way to the Father because the Father is the goal and purpose of my life. Ive told you this ahead of time, before it happens, so that when it does happen, the confirmation will deepen your belief in me. Ill not be talking with you much more like this because the chief of this godless world is about to attack. But dont worryhe has nothing on me, no claim on me. But so the world might know how thoroughly I love the Father, I am carrying out my Fathers instructions right down to the last detail. Get up. Lets go. Its time to leave here.
THE TRUE VINE I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away;a and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you willa ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
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LOVE AND JOY PERFECTED 9As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Fathers commandments and abide in His love. 11These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12This is My commandment, that you
14:28 aNU-Text omits I said. omits you will. 15:2 aOr lifts up 15:7 aNU-Text
THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES 1-3 I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesnt bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more.You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken. 4 Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch cant bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you cant bear fruit unless you are joined with me. 5-8 I am the Vine, you are the branches. When youre joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you cant produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he iswhen you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples. 9-10 Ive loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, youll remain intimately at home in my love. Thats what Ive donekept my Fathers commands and made myself at home in his love. 11-15 Ive told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love
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JOHN 16:7
love one another as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down ones life for his friends. 14You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17These things I command you, that you love one another. THE WORLDS HATRED 18If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19If you were of the world, the world would love its own.Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20Remember the word that I said to you, A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21But all these things they will do to you for My names sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, They hated Me without a cause. a THE COMING REJECTION 26But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
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one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. Im no longer calling you servants because servants dont understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, Ive named you friends because Ive let you in on everything Ive heard from the Father. You didnt choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that wont spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. But remember the root command: Love one another.
HATED BY THE WORLD 18-19 If you find the godless world is hating you, remember it got its start hating me. If you lived on the worlds terms, the world would love you as one of its own. But since I picked you to live on Gods terms and no longer on the worlds terms, the world is going to hate you. 20 When that happens, remember this: Servants dont get better treatment than their masters. If they beat on me, they will certainly beat on you. If they did what I told them, they will do what you tell them. 21-25 They are going to do all these things to you because of the way they treated me, because they dont know the One who sent me. If I hadnt come and told them all this in plain language, it wouldnt be so bad. As it is, they have no excuse. Hate me, hate my Fatherits all the same. If I hadnt done what I have done among them, works no one has ever done, they wouldnt be to blame. But they saw the God-signs and hated anyway, both me and my Father. Interestingthey have verified the truth of their own Scriptures where it is written, They hated me for no good reason. 26-27 When the Friend I plan to send you from the Father comesthe Spirit of Truth issuing from the Fatherhe will confirm everything about me. You, too, from your side must give your confirming evidence, since you are in this with me from the start.
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These things I have spoken to you, that 16 you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time
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Ive told you these things to prepare you for rough times ahead. They are go16 ing to throw you out of the meeting places. There will even come a time when anyone who kills you will think hes doing God a favor. They will do these things because they never really understood the Father. Ive told you these things so that when the time comes and they start in on you, youll be well-warned and ready for them.
is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. 3And these things they will do to youa because they have not known the Father nor Me. 4But these things I have told you, that when thea time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 5But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, Where are You going? 6But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7Nevertheless
15:25 aPsalm 69:4 16:3 aNU-Text and M-Text omit to you. 16:4 aNU-Text reads their.
THE FRIEND WILL COME 4-7 I didnt tell you this earlier because I was with you every day. But now I am on my way to the One who sent me. Not one of you has asked, Where are you going? Instead, the longer Ive talked, the sadder youve become. So let me say it again, this truth: Its
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JOHN 16:8
T H E M E S S AG E
better for you that I leave. If I dont leave, the Friend wont come. But if I go, Ill send him to you. When he comes, hell expose the error of the godless worlds view of sin, righteousness, and judgment: Hell show them that their refusal to believe in me is their basic sin; that righteousness comes from above, where I am with the Father, out of their sight and control; that judgment takes place as the ruler of this godless world is brought to trial and convicted. I still have many things to tell you, but you cant handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He wont draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. He will honor me; he will take from me and deliver it to you. Everything the Father has is also mine. That is why Ive said, He takes from me and delivers to you. In a day or so youre not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me.
I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.a SORROW WILL TURN TO JOY 16A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father. 17Then some of His disciples said among themselves, What is this that He says to us, A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me; and, because I go to the Father? 18They said therefore, What is this that He says, A little while? We do not know what He is saying. 19Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me? 20Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. 21A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. 23And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. JESUS CHRIST HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD 25These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26In that day you will ask in My name, and
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16:15 aNU-Text and M-Text read He takes of Mine and will declare it to you.
JOY LIKE A RIVER OVERFLOWING 17-18 That stirred up a hornets nest of questions among the disciples: Whats he talking about: In a day or so youre not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me? And, Because Im on my way to the Father? What is this day or so? We dont know what hes talking about. 19-20 Jesus knew they were dying to ask him what he meant, so he said, Are you trying to figure out among yourselves what I meant when I said, In a day or so youre not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me? Then fix this firmly in your minds: Youre going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. Youll be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness. 21-23 When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, theres no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, youll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you.Youll no longer be so full of questions. 23-24 This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things Ive revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and hell most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks! 25-28 Ive used figures of speech in telling you these things. Soon Ill drop the figures and tell you about the Father in plain language. Then you can make your requests directly to him in relation to this life Ive revealed to you. I wont continue making requests of the Father on your behalf. I wont need to. Be-
JOHN 17:10
I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; 27for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. 28I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father. 29His disciples said to Him, See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! 30Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God. 31Jesus answered them, Do you now believe? 32Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you willa have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. JESUS PRAYS FOR HIMSELF Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He shoulda give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
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cause youve gone out on a limb, committed yourselves to love and trust in me, believing I came directly from the Father, the Father loves you directly. First, I left the Father and arrived in the world; now I leave the world and travel to the Father. His disciples said, Finally! Youre giving it to us straight, in plain talkno more figures of speech. Now we know that you know everythingit all comes together in you.You wont have to put up with our questions anymore. Were convinced you came from God. Jesus answered them, Do you finally believe? In fact, youre about to make a run for itsaving your own skins and abandoning me. But Im not abandoned. The Father is with me. Ive told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! Ive conquered the world.
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JESUS PRAYER FOR HIS FOLLOWERS 1-5 Jesus said these things. Then, raising his eyes in prayer, he said:
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JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS DISCIPLES 6I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours,You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. 8For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me. 9I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them.
Father, its time. Display the bright splendor of your Son So the Son in turn may show your bright splendor. You put him in charge of everything human So he might give real and eternal life to all in his charge. And this is the real and eternal life: That they know you, The one and only true God, And Jesus Christ, whom you sent. I glorified you on earth By completing down to the last detail What you assigned me to do. And now, Father, glorify me with your very own splendor, The very splendor I had in your presence Before there was a world.
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16:33 aNU-Text and M-Text omit will.
17:2 aM-Text reads shall.
I spelled out your character in detail To the men and women you gave me. They were yours in the first place; Then you gave them to me, And they have now done what you said. They know now, beyond the shadow of a doubt, That everything you gave me is firsthand from you, For the message you gave me, I gave them; And they took it, and were convinced That I came from you. They believed that you sent me. I pray for them. Im not praying for the God-rejecting world But for those you gave me, For they are yours by right. Everything mine is yours, and yours mine, And my life is on display in them.
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For Im no longer going to be visible in the world; Theyll continue in the world While I return to you. Holy Father, guard them as they pursue this life That you conferred as a gift through me, So they can be one heart and mind As we are one heart and mind. As long as I was with them, I guarded them In the pursuit of the life you gave through me; I even posted a night watch. And not one of them got away, Except for the rebel bent on destruction (the exception that proved the rule of Scripture).
I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me,a that they may be one as We are. 12While I was with them in the world,a I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept;b and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 14I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17Sanctify them by Your truth.Your word is truth. 18As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. JESUS PRAYS FOR ALL BELIEVERS 20I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who willa believe in Me through their word; 21that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
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Now Im returning to you. Im saying these things in the worlds hearing So my people can experience My joy completed in them. I gave them your word; The godless world hated them because of it, Because they didnt join the worlds ways, Just as I didnt join the worlds ways. Im not asking that you take them out of the world But that you guard them from the Evil One. They are no more defined by the world Than I am defined by the world. Make them holyconsecratedwith the truth; Your word is consecrating truth. In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. Im consecrating myself for their sakes So theyll be truth-consecrated in their mission.
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17:11 aNU-Text and M-Text read keep them through Your name which You have given Me. 17:12 aNU-Text omits in the world. bNU-Text reads in Your name which You gave Me. And I guarded them; (or it;). 17:20 aNU-Text and M-Text omit will.
Im praying not only for them But also for those who will believe in me Because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, So they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, So theyll be as unified and together as we are I in them and you in me. Then theyll be mature in this oneness, And give the godless world evidence That youve sent me and loved them In the same way youve loved me.
JOHN 18:16
I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.
24Father, 24-26
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Father, I want those you gave me To be with me, right where I am, So they can see my glory, the splendor you gave me, Having loved me Long before there ever was a world. Righteous Father, the world has never known you, But I have known you, and these disciples know That you sent me on this mission. I have made your very being known to them Who you are and what you do And continue to make it known, So that your love for me Might be in them Exactly as I am in them.
BETRAYAL AND ARREST IN GETHSEMANE When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 3Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, Whom are you seeking? 5They answered Him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus said to them, I am He. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6Now when He said to them, I am He, they drew back and fell to the ground. 7Then He asked them again, Whom are you seeking? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 8Jesus answered, I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way, 9that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none. 10Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priests servant, and cut off his right ear. The servants name was Malchus. 11So Jesus said to Peter, Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?
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BEFORE THE HIGH PRIEST 12Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 14Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. PETER DENIES JESUS 15And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did anothera disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who
18:15 aM-Text reads the other.
SEIZED IN THE GARDEN AT NIGHT 1 Jesus, having prayed this prayer, left with his disciples and crossed over the brook Kidron at a place where there was a garden. He and his disciples entered it. 2-4 Judas, his betrayer, knew the place because Jesus and his disciples went there often. So Judas led the way to the garden, and the Roman soldiers and police sent by the high priests and Pharisees followed. They arrived there with lanterns and torches and swords. Jesus, knowing by now everything that was coming down on him, went out and met them. He said, Who are you after? They answered, Jesus the Nazarene. 5-6 He said, Thats me. The soldiers recoiled, totally taken aback. Judas, his betrayer, stood out like a sore thumb. 7 Jesus asked again, Who are you after? They answered, Jesus the Nazarene. 8-9 I told you, said Jesus, thats me. Im the one. So if its me youre after, let these others go. (This validated the words in his prayer, I didnt lose one of those you gave.) 10 Just then Simon Peter, who was carrying a sword, pulled it from its sheath and struck the Chief Priests servant, cutting off his right ear. Malchus was the servants name. 11 Jesus ordered Peter, Put back your sword. Do you think for a minute Im not going to drink this cup the Father gave me? 12-14 Then the Roman soldiers under their commander, joined by the Jewish police, seized Jesus and tied him up. They took him first to Annas, father-in-law of Caiaphas. Caiaphas was the Chief Priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it was to their advantage that one man die for the people. 15-16 Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. That other disciple was known to the Chief Priest, and so he went in with Jesus to the Chief Priests courtyard. Peter had to stay outside. Then the other disciple
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went out, spoke to the doorkeeper, and got Peter in. The young woman who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, Arent you one of this mans disciples? He said, No, Im not. The servants and police had made a fire because of the cold and were huddled there warming themselves. Peter stood with them, trying to get warm.
was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, You are not also one of this Mans disciples, are you? He said, I am not. 18Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself. JESUS QUESTIONED BY THE HIGH PRIEST 19The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine. 20Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet,a and in secret I have said nothing. 21Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said. 22And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Do You answer the high priest like that? 23Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me? 24Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. PETER DENIES TWICE MORE 25Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, You are not also one of His disciples, are you? He denied it and said, I am not! 26One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, Did I not see you in the garden with Him? 27Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed. IN PILATES COURT 28Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. 29Pilate then went out to them and said, What accusation do you bring against this Man? 30They answered and said to him, If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you. 31Then Pilate said to them, You take Him and judge Him according to your law. Therefore the Jews said to him, It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death, 32that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die. 33Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, Are You the King of the Jews? 34Jesus answered him, Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me? 35Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?
18:20 aNU-Text reads where all the Jews meet.
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THE INTERROGATION 19-21 Annas interrogated Jesus regarding his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered, Ive spoken openly in public. Ive taught regularly in meeting places and the Temple, where the Jews all come together. Everything has been out in the open. Ive said nothing in secret. So why are you treating me like a conspirator? Question those who have been listening to me. They know well what I have said. My teachings have all been aboveboard. 22 When he said this, one of the policemen standing there slapped Jesus across the face, saying, How dare you speak to the Chief Priest like that! 23 Jesus replied, If Ive said something wrong, prove it. But if Ive spoken the plain truth, why this slapping around? 24 Then Annas sent him, still tied up, to the Chief Priest Caiaphas. 25 Meanwhile, Simon Peter was back at the fire, still trying to get warm. The others there said to him, Arent you one of his disciples? He denied it, Not me. 26 One of the Chief Priests servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, Didnt I see you in the garden with him? 27 Again, Peter denied it. Just then a rooster crowed. THE KING OF THE JEWS 28-29 They led Jesus then from Caiaphas to the Roman governors palace. It was early morning. They themselves didnt enter the palace because they didnt want to be disqualified from eating the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and spoke. What charge do you bring against this man? 30 They said, If he hadnt been doing something evil, do you think wed be here bothering you? 31-32 Pilate said, You take him. Judge him by your law. The Jews said, Were not allowed to kill anyone. (This would confirm Jesus word indicating the way he would die.) 33 Pilate went back into the palace and called for Jesus. He said, Are you the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered, Are you saying this on your own, or did others tell you this about me? 35 Pilate said, Do I look like a Jew? Your people and your high priests turned you over to me. What did you do?
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answered, My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here. 37Pilate therefore said to Him, Are You a king then? Jesus answered, You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice. 38Pilate said to Him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, I find no fault in Him at all. TAKING THE PLACE OF BARABBAS 39But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews? 40Then they all cried again, saying, Not this Man, but Barabbas! Now Barabbas was a robber. THE SOLDIERS MOCK JESUS So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. 2And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. 3Then they said,a Hail, King of the Jews! And they struck Him with their hands. 4Pilate then went out again, and said to them, Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.
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My kingdom, said Jesus, doesnt consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldnt be handed over to the Jews. But Im not that kind of king, not the worlds kind of king. Then Pilate said, So, are you a king or not? Jesus answered, You tell me. Because I am King, I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice. Pilate said, What is truth? Then he went back out to the Jews and told them, I find nothing wrong in this man. Its your custom that I pardon one prisoner at Passover. Do you want me to pardon the King of the Jews? They shouted back, Not this one, but Barabbas! Barabbas was a Jewish freedom fighter.
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PILATES DECISION 5Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, Behold the Man! 6Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, Crucify Him, crucify Him! Pilate said to them, You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him. 7The Jews answered him, We have a law, and according to oura law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God. 8Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 9and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, Where are You from? But Jesus gave him no answer. 10Then Pilate said to Him, Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You? 11Jesus answered, You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin. 12From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, If you let this Man go, you are not Caesars friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar. 13When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but
19:3 aNU-Text reads And they came up to Him and said. 19:7 aNU-Text reads the law.
THE THORN CROWN OF THE KING 1-3 So Pilate took Jesus and had him whipped. The soldiers, having braided a crown from thorns, set it on his head, threw a purple robe over him, and approached him with, Hail, King of the Jews! Then they greeted him with slaps in the face. 4-5 Pilate went back out again and said to them, I present him to you, but I want you to know that I do not find him guilty of any crime. Just then Jesus came out wearing the thorn crown and purple robe. Pilate announced, Here he is: the Man. 6 When the high priests and police saw him, they shouted in a frenzy, Crucify! Crucify! Pilate told them, You take him. You crucify him. I find nothing wrong with him. 7 The Jews answered, We have a law, and by that law he must die because he claimed to be the Son of God. 8-9 When Pilate heard this, he became even more scared. He went back into the palace and said to Jesus, Where did you come from? Jesus gave no answer. 10 Pilate said, You wont talk? Dont you know that I have the authority to pardon you, and the authority tocrucify you? 11 Jesus said, You havent a shred of authority over me except what has been given you from heaven. Thats why the one who betrayed me to you has committed a far greater fault. 12 At this, Pilate tried his best to pardon him, but the Jews shouted him down: If you pardon this man, youre no friend of Caesars. Anyone setting himself up as king defies Caesar. 13-14 When Pilate heard those words, he led Jesus outside. He sat down at the judgment seat in the area designated Stone Court (in
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Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was the preparation day for Passover. The hour was noon. Pilate said to the Jews, Here is your king. They shouted back, Kill him! Kill him! Crucify him! Pilate said, I am to crucify your king? The high priests answered, We have no king except Caesar. Pilate caved in to their demand. He turned him over to be crucified.
in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, Behold your King! 15But they cried out, Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him! Pilate said to them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar! 16Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away.a THE KING ON A CROSS 17And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. 19Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
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THE CRUCIFIXION They took Jesus away. Carrying his cross, Jesus went out to the place called Skull Hill (the name in Hebrew is Golgotha), where they crucified him, and with him two others, one on each side, Jesus in the middle. Pilate wrote a sign and had it placed on the cross. It read:
JESUS THE NAZARENE THE KING OF THE JEWS.
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many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. 21Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, Do not write, The King of the Jews, but, He said, I am the King of the Jews. 22Pilate answered, What I have written, I have written. 23Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 24They said therefore among themselves, Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be, that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots. a Therefore the soldiers did these things. BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER 25Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mothers sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, Woman, behold your son! 27Then He said to the disciple, Behold your mother! And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. IT IS FINISHED 28After this, Jesus, knowinga that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, I thirst! 29Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, It is finished! And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
19:16 aNU-Text omits and led Him away. 19:28 aM-Text reads seeing. 19:24 aPsalm 22:18
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Many of the Jews read the sign because the place where Jesus was crucified was right next to the city. It was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Jewish high priests objected. Dont write, they said to Pilate, The King of the Jews. Make it, This man said, I am the King of the Jews. Pilate said, What Ive written, Ive written. When they crucified him, the Roman soldiers took his clothes and divided them up four ways, to each soldier a fourth. But his robe was seamless, a single piece of weaving, so they said to each other, Lets not tear it up. Lets throw dice to see who gets it. This confirmed the Scripture that said, They divided up my clothes among them and threw dice for my coat. (The soldiers validated the Scriptures!) While the soldiers were looking after themselves, Jesus mother, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her. He said to his mother, Woman, here is your son. Then to the disciple, Here is your mother. From that moment the disciple accepted her as his own mother. Jesus, seeing that everything had been completed so that the Scripture record might also be complete, then said, Im thirsty. A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, Its done . . . complete. Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit.
JOHN 20:10
JESUS SIDE IS PIERCED 31Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, Not one of His bones shall be broken. a 37And again another Scripture says, They shall look on Him whom they pierced. a JESUS BURIED IN JOSEPHS TOMB 38After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.
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Then the Jews, since it was the day of Sabbath preparation, and so the bodies wouldnt stay on the crosses over the Sabbath (it was a high holy day that year), petitioned Pilate that their legs be broken to speed death, and the bodies taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man crucified with Jesus, and then the other. When they got to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didnt break his legs. One of the soldiers stabbed him in the side with his spear. Blood and water gushed out. The eyewitness to these things has presented an accurate report. He saw it himself and is telling the truth so that you, also, will believe. These things that happened confirmed the Scripture, Not a bone in his body was broken, and the other Scripture that reads, They will stare at the one they pierced.
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After all this, Joseph of Arimathea (he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, because he was intimidated by the Jews) petitioned Pilate to take the body of Jesus. Pilate gave permission. So Joseph came and took the body. Nicodemus, who had first come to Jesus at night, came now in broad daylight carrying a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventyfive pounds. They took Jesus body and, following the Jewish burial custom, wrapped it in linen with the spices. There was a garden near the place he was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been placed. So, because it was Sabbath preparation for the Jews and the tomb was convenient, they placed Jesus in it.
THE EMPTY TOMB Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him. 3Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. 8Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. 9For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.
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RESURRECTION! 1-2 Early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone was moved away from the entrance. She ran at once to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, breathlessly panting, They took the Master from the tomb. We dont know where theyve put him. 3-10 Peter and the other disciple left immediately for the tomb. They ran, neck and neck. The other disciple got to the tomb first, outrunning Peter. Stooping to look in, he saw the pieces of linen cloth lying there, but he didnt go in. Simon Peter arrived after him, entered the tomb, observed the linen cloths lying there, and the kerchief used to cover his head not lying with the linen cloths but separate, neatly folded by itself. Then the other disciple, the one who had gotten there first, went into the tomb, took one look at the evidence, and believed. No one yet knew from the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead. The disciples then went back home.
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19:36 aExodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20 ariah 12:10
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MARY MAGDALENE SEES THE RISEN LORD 11But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13Then they said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? She said to them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him. 14Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away. 16Jesus said to her, Mary! She turned and said to Him,a Rabboni! (which is to say, Teacher). 17Jesus said to her, Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God. 18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord,a and that He had spoken these things to her. THE APOSTLES COMMISSIONED 19Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled,a for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, Peace be with you. 20When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21So Jesus said to them again, Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you. 22And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. SEEING AND BELIEVING 24Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25The other disciples therefore said to him, We have seen the Lord. So he said to them, Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe. 26And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace to you! 27Then He said to Thomas, Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.
20:16 aNU-Text adds in Hebrew. 20:18 aNU-Text reads disciples, I have seen the Lord, . . . 20:19 aNU-Text omits assembled.
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But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she knelt to look into the tomb and saw two angels sitting there, dressed in white, one at the head, the other at the foot of where Jesus body had been laid. They said to her, Woman, why do you weep? They took my Master, she said, and I dont know where they put him. After she said this, she turned away and saw Jesus standing there. But she didnt recognize him. Jesus spoke to her, Woman, why do you weep? Who are you looking for? She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, Mister, if you took him, tell me where you put him so I can care for him. Jesus said, Mary. Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, Rabboni! meaning Teacher! Jesus said, Dont cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, I ascend to my Father and your Father, my God and your God. Mary Magdalene went, telling the news to the disciples: I saw the Master! And she told them everything he said to her.
TO BELIEVE 19-20 Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, Peace to you. Then he showed them his hands and side. 20-21 The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. Jesus repeated his greeting: Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you. 22-23 Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. Receive the Holy Spirit, he said. If you forgive someones sins, theyre gone for good. If you dont forgive sins, what are you going to do with them? 24-25 But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, We saw the Master. But he said, Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I wont believe it. 26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, Peace to you. 27 Then he focused his attention on Thomas. Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Dont be unbelieving. Believe.
JOHN 21:16
Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God! 29Jesus said to him, Thomas,a because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE 30And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. BREAKFAST BY THE SEA After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3Simon Peter said to them, I am going fishing. They said to him, We are going with you also. They went out and immediatelya got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5Then Jesus said to them, Children, have you any food? They answered Him, No. 6And He said to them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some. So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. 7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord! Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10Jesus said to them, Bring some of the fish which you have just caught. 11Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fiftythree; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12Jesus said to them, Come and eat breakfast. Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, Who are You?knowing that it was the Lord. 13Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. 14This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
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Thomas said, My Master! My God! Jesus said, So, you believe because youve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing. Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.
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After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea 21 (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter announced, Im going fishing. The rest of them replied, Were going with you. They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didnt recognize him. Jesus spoke to them: Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast? They answered, No. He said, Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens. They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they werent strong enough to pull it in. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, Its the Master! When Simon Peter realized that it was the Master, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea. The other disciples came in by boat for they werent far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it. Jesus said, Bring some of the fish youve just caught. Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didnt rip. Jesus said, Breakfast is ready. Not one of the disciples dared ask, Who are you? They knew it was the Master. Jesus then took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus had shown himself alive to the disciples since being raised from the dead.
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JESUS RESTORES PETER 15So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah,a do you love Me more than these? He said to Him, Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. He said to him, Feed My lambs. 16He said to him again a second time, Simon, son of Jonah,a do you love Me?
20:29 aNU-Text and M-Text omit Thomas. 21:3 aNU-Text omits immediately. 21:15 aNU-Text reads John. 21:16 aNU-Text reads John.
DO YOU LOVE ME? 15 After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? Yes, Master, you know I love you. Jesus said, Feed my lambs. 16 He then asked a second time, Simon, son of John, do you love me?
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JOHN 21:17
T H E M E S S AG E
Yes, Master, you know I love you. Jesus said, Shepherd my sheep. Then he said it a third time: Simon, son of John, do you love me? Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, Do you love me? so he answered, Master, you know everything there is to know. Youve got to know that I love you. Jesus said, Feed my sheep. Im telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old youll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you dont want to go. He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, Follow me. Turning his head, Peter noticed the disciple Jesus loved following right behind. When Peter noticed him, he asked Jesus, Master, whats going to happen to him? Jesus said, If I want him to live until I come again, whats that to you? Youfollow me. That is how the rumor got out among the brothers that this disciple wouldnt die. But that is not what Jesus said. He simply said, If I want him to live until I come again, whats that to you? This is the same disciple who was eyewitness to all these things and wrote them down. And we all know that his eyewitness account is reliable and accurate. There are so many other things Jesus did. If they were all written down, each of them, one by one, I cant imagine a world big enough to hold such a library of books.
He said to Him, Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. He said to him, Tend My sheep. 17He said to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonah,a do you love Me? Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, Do you love Me? And he said to Him, Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep. 18Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish. 19This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, Follow Me. THE BELOVED DISCIPLE AND HIS BOOK 20Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, Lord, who is the one who betrays You? 21Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, But Lord, what about this man? 22Jesus said to him, If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me. 23Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die.Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? 24This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. 25And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
21:17 aNU-Text reads John.
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THE MESSAGENKJV PARALLEL BIBLE

The MessageNKJV Parallel Bible Copyright 2007 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

New King James Version

All Rights Reserved Printed in the United States of America 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07

WELCOME TO , THE MESSAGENKJV PARALLEL BIBLE

1:23 aIsaiah 40:3

1:42 aNU-Text reads John.

1:51 aNU-Text omits hereafter.

3:13 aNU-Text omits who is in heaven. not perish but.

3:15 aNU-Text omits

4:42 aNU-Text omits the Christ.

6:11 aNU-Text omits to the disciples, and the disciples.

7:1 aThat is,

8:38 aNU-Text reads heard from.

10:26 aNU-Text omits as I said to you.

10:34 aPsalm 82:6

12:38 aIsaiah 53:1 because.

12:40 aIsaiah 6:10

12:41 aNU-Text reads

12:47 aNU-Text reads keep them. during supper.

13:2 aNU-Text reads And

16:33 aNU-Text and M-Text omit will.

17:2 aM-Text reads shall.

19:36 aExodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20 ariah 12:10

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