Chapter Index: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |

The Word Became Flesh                                        

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed with God in the beginning. 3 Everything came into existence through him, and apart from him nothing that exists came into existence. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of humanity. 5 And the light shines in darkness, and the darkness couldn't overcome it.

6 A man came, who had been sent from God, his name was John. 7 He came as a witness, that he might testify about the Light, so that through Him everyone might believe. (Jesus: See 1 Peter 1:21) 8 He himself wasn’t the Light, but he was sent to testify about the Light: 9 The true Light, which by coming into the world, enlightened all humanity. 10 He was in the world, and the world was created by him, yet the world didn't recognize him. 11 He came to his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to as many as received him, to those who trust in his name, to them he gave the privilege to become Children of, God: 13 These were not born of a bloodline, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt in a tent among us. And we saw his glory, glory like that of the only Son born of the Father, full of gracious favor and truth.

15 John testified about him, and cried out saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me surpasses me, because he was before me.’ ” 16 And from his fullness we all have received gracious favor upon gracious favor.”

17 The Law was given through Moses, but gracious favor and truth came through Jesus Christ.

1:14-17 The Greek word ‘khar'-ece’ is traditionally translated as ‘grace’, but it literally means ‘cheerful favor.’ Yet many have been taught that ‘khar'-ece’ means ‘unmerited favor,’ BUT IT DOESN’T. Because the Greek Word doesn’t focus on the ‘unworthiness of the receiver,‘ but on the ‘Cheerfulness of the Giver.’ Originally I translated ‘khar'-ece’ as “Cheerful favor”, but the Lord showed me that this is a concept that’s too revolutionary for most people to comprehend; because religion has painted God as "An Angry God" for so long, that it’s hard for many people to picture God with a Smile on His face. So I have instead translated “‘khar'-ece’ as “gracious favor.” Yet the Bible declares, "He will REJOICE over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17) So God is NOT “An Angry God.” Plus, Jesus said, "Whoever has seen me; has seen the Father." (John 14:9) And Jesus was “Anointed with the Oil of GLADNESS.” (Hebrews. 1:9 Also see Luke 15:11-32) So as you read this Gospel of John, Picture Jesus Smiling down from Heaven on you. Because…

18 No one has ever seen God; but the only born Son, whose head lays against the Father's chest, HE FULLY EXPRESSES HIM.

19 Now this was John's testimony, when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 And he confessed, and didn't contradict the truth, but acknowledged, “I'm not the Anointed.”

21 So they asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?”

He said, “I am not.”

“Are you the Prophet?”

He answered, “

22 So they said to him, “Then who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

23 He said, “I'm a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Make The Way Of The LORD Straight.’ Just as the prophet Isaiah said.” (Isaiah 40:3)

24 Now those who had been sent were from the Pharisees. 25 So they asked him, and said, “Then why are you baptizing? if you're not the Anointed, or Elijah, or the Prophet?”

26 John answered them by saying, “I baptize in water, but someone is standing among you, whom you do not know. 27 He's the one who comes after me, who surpasses me, because he was before me. The strap of whose sandal I'm not even worthy to loosen.”

28 These things happened in Bethabara across the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.

Jesus the Lamb of God

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, God’s Lamb. Who will take away the world’s wrong.”

30 This is the one concerning whom I said, ‘A man comes after me, who surpasses me, because he was before me.’ 31 But since I didn’t know who he was, I came baptizing in water, in order that he might be revealed to Israel.”

32 And John testified, saying, “I saw the Spirit coming down from heaven, like a dove, and he remained on him. 33 Yet I did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize in water had told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit coming down and remaining on him, he's the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen, and I testify that, ‘He is God's Son.’ ”

The First Disciples

35 Again, the next day John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 And as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, God’s Lamb.”

37 When the two disciples heard what he had said, they followed Jesus. 38 And Jesus turning around, saw them following him, and said to them, “What are you searching for?”

And they told him, “Rabbi,” (which means, “Teacher,”) “where are you staying?”

39 He told them, “Come, and see.”

They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day, because it was about the tenth hour (about 4 pm.)

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John said, and who had followed him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and told him, “We've found the Messiah.” (Which means, Christ, the Anointed). 42 Then he led him to Jesus.

When Jesus saw him, he said, “You’re Simon, the son of Jonah. You’re going to be called Cephas.” (Peter, which means, a Stone.)

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathaniel

43 The next day Jesus wanted to go into Galilee, and he found Philip and told him, “Accompany me on my journey."

44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathaniel and told him, “We've found him about whom Moses in the law, and the prophets wrote. Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

46 But Nathaniel answered him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

Philip told him, “Come and see.”

47 Jesus saw Nathaniel coming toward him, and said concerning him, “Look, here’s a true descendant of Israel. One in whom there’s no

deception.”

48 Nathaniel said to him, “How do you know me?”

Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”

49 Nathaniel answered him, and said, “Rabbi, you are God's Son; you’re the King of Israel.”

50 Jesus answered him and said, “Do you believe simply because I told you, I saw you under the fig tree? Indeed you will see greater signs than these.” 51 Then he told him, “ indeed indeed, I tell you, after this you will see heaven opened, and God's messengers going up and going down on the Son of Man.”

John 2

The Wedding at Cana

1 Now on the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and Jesus' mother was there. 2 And Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 So when the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no wine.”

4 Jesus told her, “Lady, of what concern is that to you and to me? My hour hasn't come yet.”

5 His mother told the waiters, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Now there were six stone water pots sitting there, according to the Jewish custom of purification, each containing about 20 or 30 gallons. 7 Jesus told them, “Fill the water pots with water." So they filled them up to the brim.

8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the headwaiter.”

So they took it. 9 Now when the headwaiter tasted the water (which had became wine), since he didn't know where it had come from (though the waiters who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom. 10 And he told him, “Everyone always sets out the good wine first; then when the guests are intoxicated, then they serve the inferior. But you have kept the excellent wine until now.”

11 This was the first of his signs: which Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee; and by doing so he revealed his glory, and his disciples put their trust in him.

12 After this he, and his mother, and his brothers, and his sisters, and his disciples went down to Capernaum; but they didn't stay there very many days.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

13 Now it was nearly time for the Jewish Passover; so Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And in the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 Then having made a whip out of small ropes, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen. And he poured out the money-changers' coins and overturned their tables. 16 Then he told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here. Stop making my Father's house into a warehouse for your merchandise.” 17 Then his disciples remembered that it's written, “The Fiery Zeal Of Your House Has Consumed Me.” (Psalm 69:9)

18 Then the Jewish leaders answered him and said, “What sign will you show us? to justify the things you have done.?”

19 Jesus answered them and said, “Destroy this dwelling place; and in 3 days I will raise it up.”

20 Then the Jewish leaders said, “It's taken 46 years to build this temple. And will you raise it up in 3 days?” 21 But the dwelling place he was speaking about was his own body.

22 Therefore when he had risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this: and they believed the Scripture, and the

declaration which Jesus had spoken.

Jesus Knows The Heart Of Everyone

23 Now while he was in Jerusalem, during the Passover, many believed in his name when they saw the signs he was performing. 

24 Yet Jesus didn't entrust himself to them; because he knew the hearts of everyone. 25 And he didn't need for anyone to testify according to human motives, because he himself knew what was inside a person.

John 3

Everyone Must Be Reborn

1 Now there was a man of the sect of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a chief leader among the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus at night, and told him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; because no one would be able to perform the signs which you perform; unless God were with him.”

3 Jesus answered him and said, “indeed indeed, I tell you: unless someone is born from above, they cannot see God's Kingdom.”

4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a person be born when they are old? They can't enter into their mother's womb a second time and be born?”

5 Jesus answered, “ indeed indeed, I tell you: unless someone is born of water and of the Spirit, they cannot enter into God's Kingdom. 6 That which is born of the flesh, is flesh. And that which is born of the Spirit, is Spirit. 7 Don't be astonished that I told you, each of you must to be born from above. 8 The wind blows wherever it wants to; and you hear its sound; but you don't know where it came from, nor where it is going. It's the same way with everyone who has been born of the Spirit.”

9 Nicodemus answered him and said, “How can these things be?”

10 Jesus answered him and said, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and don’t know these things? 11 indeed indeed, I tell you, we speak about that which we know, and we testify about that which we have seen: yet, none of you accepts our testimony.

12 If I have told you about earthly things; and you do not believe. How will you believe, if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has gone up into heaven, except he who came down from heaven: the son of man who is also in Heaven.

14 Yet as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness; so too the son of man must be lifted up. 15 So that everyone who trusts in him will not perish, but have eternal life.

16 Because God Loved the world to such an extent: that he gave his only born Son. So that everyone who trusts in him would not perish, but rather have eternal life.

17 Because God didn't send his Son into the world to condemn the world: but instead that the world might be saved through him.

18 Whoever trusts in him will never be condemned: but whoever refuses to trust in him, stands condemned already; because they refused to trust in the name of the only born Son of God. 19 Therefore, this is the verdict: The True Light came into the world, but the people loved the darkness more than The Light, because their deeds were hurtful.’ 20 Because of that, everyone who does hurtful things to others; hates The Light, and they won’t come into the Light, lest their deeds should to be exposed.

21 But the one who practices the Truth, comes into the Light; in order that it may be clearly seen that what they have done, was done in God.”

Jesus and John the Baptizer

22 After these things Jesus and his disciples came into the land of Judah, and he remained there with them, while they were baptizing. 23 Now John was also baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there, and many were coming to be baptized. 24 (Because John had not yet been thrown into prison.)

25 Now John's disciples happened to have a discussion with a Jewish leader regarding purification; 26 then they came to John and told him, “Rabbi, he who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River: the one you have been testifying about; Look, now he’s baptizing, and everybody is flocking to him.”

27 John answered and said, "A person can’t receive anything, unless it's been given to them from Heaven. 28 You yourselves testify concerning me, that I said, ‘I'm not the Anointed; but I’ve been sent ahead of him.’

29 The bridegroom is the one who has the bride. But the bridegroom’s friend, who stands beside him, hears him, and cheerfully rejoices because of the joyful sound of the bridegroom's voice. So this indeed makes me happy.

30 He must increase; but I must decrease. 31 The one who has come from above, is above everything else. The one who is of this earth, is earthly, and only speaks about earthly things. The one who came down from Heaven, is above everything else. 32 And that which he has seen and heard, he testifies about. Yet everyone doesn’t accepts his testimony; 33 but the one who does accept his testimony, can also verify that God is True: 34 because, whomever God sends, speaks the things that God says, because God gives them the Spirit beyond measure. (Literally: not by measure)

35 The Father Loves the Son, and he's given everything into his hand: 36 whoever trusts in the Son has eternal life; but whoever refuses to trust in the Son will never see life: instead God's intense dissatisfaction will remain on them.”

John 4

1 Now when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself didn’t baptize; but rather his disciples), 3 he left Judah, and went into Galilee again.

The Time To Harvest Has Come.

4 But it was essential for him to go through Samaria: 5 therefore he came to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, which is near the piece of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph; 6 Jacob's artesian well was there; so since Jesus was tired from his journey, he was setting on the well: 7 and it was now about the 6th hour (about noon) when a woman of Samaria came to draw water: so Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 Because his disciples had left, to go into the city to buy provisions.

9 Then the Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a woman of Samaria? Because Jews don't associate with Samaritans.”

10 Jesus answered her and said, “If you knew about God’s Gift; and who it is that says to you, ‘Give me a drink’? You would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”

11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you don't have a bucket; and the well is deep. So where do you have this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob who gave us this well, and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock also?” (Literally, Lord)

13 Jesus answered her and said, “Everyone who drinks of this water will become thirsty again: 14 but if anyone drinks of the water, which I willingly give them, they will never thirst, even throughout eternity. Instead, the water which I give them, will become a fountain of living water within them, springing up into eternal life.”

15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give

me some of this water: so that I won't get thirsty, and have to come here to draw water.” (Literally, Lord)

16 Jesus told her, “Go, call your husband; then return here.”

17 The woman answered and said, “I don't have a husband.”

Jesus told her, “You have spoken beautifully, ‘I don't have a husband,' 18 because you have had 5 husbands, and the one you have now, isn’t your husband. This you have spoken truthfully.”

4:17-18 When we speak truthfully; Jesus sees it as a thing of beautiful. (See John 1:47 & John 4:23-24) So Jesus is complementing this woman: rather than pointing out her wrongs, as some falsely claim. For she was the kind of worshipper Jesus was searching for. See verses 20-24. And that’s why “it was essential for him to go through Samaria.” Verse 4

19 The woman answered him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain; yet you Jews say that the place where people are to worship is in Jerusalem?”

21 Jesus told her, “Lady, believe me, an hour is coming when you will neither Worship the Father on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You worship someone you do not know. We worship someone we do know; that’s why salvation comes from the Jewish people. (Literally, is)

23 But an hour is coming, and now has come, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and Truth: because this is how the Father wants people to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit being, and those who worship him, must worship him in Spirit and in Truth.”

25 The woman told him, “I know that the Messiah is coming; who is called the Anointed. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

26 Jesus told her, “I Am. The very One speaking to you.”

27 And right then his disciples arrived, and they were astonished that he was talking with a woman. Yet no one said, “What do you seek?” or “Why are you talking to her?”

28 Then the woman left her water pot, and went into the city, and told the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything that I have ever done. Could this One be the Anointed?” 30 They hurried out of the city and came to him.

31 But in the meantime his disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But he told them, “I have food to eat which you cannot see.” 33 So the disciples were saying to one another, “Did anyone bring him something to eat?”

34 Jesus told them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work. 35 You shouldn’t continue to say, ‘There are still four more months: and then the harvest will come.’ Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes and see the fields. Because they are already white and ready to Harvest. 36 And the one who harvests, is already receiving his pay and gathering in fruit of eternal life. So both the sower and the harvester are rejoicing together. 37 For in this the saying is true, ‘One sows, and another harvests.’ 38 I'm sending you to harvest that which you haven’t had to work hard for; others have already done the hard work, and you’re entering into the harvest they have worked hard for.”

39 Now many of the Samaritans of that city believed in him, because of the statement of the woman's testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; so he remained there two days.

41 Then many more believed because of his own word. 42 And they told the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you have said: because we have heard him for ourselves, and know that he is indeed the Anointed. The Savior of the world.”

 Jesus Heals a Royal Official’s Son

43 Then after the two days, he left there and went into Galilee, instead of to his hometown, 44 because Jesus himself testified, “A prophet has no honor in the land of his father.” 45 So when he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. Because they had seen everything that he had done in Jerusalem during the feast; for they too had gone to the feast. 46 Then Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee, where he had made the water into wine.

Now there was a certain royal official, whose son was very weak, in Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judah into Galilee, he went to him, pleading with him to come down and heal his son, because he was at the point of death.

48 Therefore Jesus told him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”

49 The royal official said to him, “Lord, come down before my little child dies.”

50 Jesus told him, “Be on your way, your son lives.”

And the man believed the word which Jesus spoke to him, so he went away. 51 Now while he was going down, his servants met him and reported to him, saying, “Your child lives.” 52 So he asked them the hour when he had gotten better: and they told him, “Yesterday, during the 7th hour (about 1 pm), the fever left him.”

53 So the father knew that it was in the exact same hour that Jesus told him, “Your son lives.” So he and his whole household believed. 54 This again was a second sign that Jesus performed after he had came out of Judah into Galilee.

John 5

Jesus Heals a Man at the Pool

1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there's a swimming pool in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda; it has five stone column porches. 3 In these were laying a great multitude of those who were weak; the blind, lame, and paralyzed, waiting for the stirring of the water. 4 Because from time to time, a messenger would step down into the pool and stir up the water; then whoever first stepped in, after the stirring of the water, became healthy, and was completely healed of whatever disease held them captive.

5 Now a certain man was there who had been very weak for 38 years. 6 Jesus seeing him lying there, and knowing that he had already been there a long time, said to him, “Do you want to become healthy again?”

7 The weak man answered him, “Sir, I don't have anyone to toss me in the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I'm still coming, another steps down before me.”

8 Jesus told him, “Get up. Pick up your mattress, and walk.” 9 And instantly the man became healthy, and picked up his mattress and walked.

But that day was a Day of Rest. 10 Therefore, the Jewish authorities told the man who had been healed, “It's the Day of Rest, it's illegal for you to carry that mattress.”

11 He answered them, “The man who made me well, he's the one who told me, ‘Pick up your mattress, and walk.’”

12 So they asked him, “Who is the man who told you, ‘Pick up your mattress, and walk’?”

13 But the man who had been healed didn't know who he was, for Jesus had moved out of view, since it was very crowd in that place.

14 After these things Jesus found him in the temple, and told him, “See, you've become healthy. No longer do wrong, lest perhaps something worse happens to you.” 15 The man didn’t listen, but went and told the Jewish authorities that Jesus was the one who had made him healthy: 16 and so, because of this, the Jewish authorities persecuted Jesus, and sought an opportunity to kill him; because he had done these things on a Day of Rest.

17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is still at work; so I’m working too.” 18 And because of this, the Jewish authorities sought all the more to kill him. Because not only had he relaxed the restrictions on the Day of Rest, but he had also called God his own Father―making himself equal with God.

The Authority of the Son

19 Therefore Jesus answered them, “indeed indeed, I tell you, the Son isn't able to do anything on his own, unless it's something he’s seen the Father doing. Because whatever the Father does, the Son also does the same things in like manner. 20 Because the Father loves the Son and he shows him everything that he is doing. And he will even show him greater works than these, that you may be astounded. 21 Because just like the Father raises the dead and gives them life; so too the Son gives life to whomever he wants to.

22 In fact, the Father judges no one, instead he has given All Judgment to the Son: 23 in order that everyone may honor the son, just as they honor the father: who-ever doesn't honor the Son, doesn't honor the Father who sent him.

24 indeed indeed, I tell you, whoever listens to my word, and trusts in him who sent me, has eternal life; and so they will never enter into judgment; instead they have already passed from death into life.

25 indeed indeed, I tell you, an hour is coming, and now is here, when the dead will hear the voice of God's Son, and those who listen intently will live. 26 Because just as the Father has life in himself, so too he has granted the Son to have life in himself: 27 And he also has given him Authority To Execute Judgment; since he is a son of man. 28 Don't be astonished by this.

Because the hour is coming: when everyone who are in their graves will hear his voice, and come out: 29 those who have done good things, will rise to live again; but those who have done hurtful things, will rise to be condemned.

30 I’m unable to do anything on my own: as I hear, I Judge; and My Judgment is just: because I am not seeking to do my own will, but the will of the Father who sent me.

(John 5:22-30 Some Christians teach: “The Father will judge the world by the Ten Commandments:: but for Christians, Jesus is our Defense Attorney before the Father.” But in John 5:22-30 Jesus clearly states, He Is The Judge. (Not the Father.) And in Matthew 25:31-45 Jesus clearly teaches that He Will Judge Everyone according to how they have treated others. (Not by the Ten Commandments.) So to teach otherwise, “Is to teach a false doctrine.”)

31 If I were to testify about myself, my testimony wouldn't be considered valid. 32 But there's another who testifies about me: and I know that the testimony which he testifies about me is true. (Literally, true)

33 You've sent to John, and he's testified to the truth; 34 but the testimony which I’ve received isn't from a human source (but I say these things in order that you might be saved); 35 he was a burning and shining lamp, and for an hour you jumped for joy in his light.

36 But the testimony which I’ve received is greater than that of John. Because the works which the Father has given to me to accomplish (the very works which I’m doing) these testify about me―that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father himself (who sent me) also testifies about me.

But you have never heard his voice, nor have you seen his form at anytime; 38 and his word does not reside within you, because you do not believe the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; yet these are the very ones which testify about me. 40 But you’re unwilling to come to me, that you may have life.

41 I do not receive glory from human beings. 42 But I know you, I know that you do not have God’s Love within you; 43 because I have come in my Father’s name, but you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name; you will receive him.

44 How can you believe? Since you seek recognition from one another, but do not seek the recognition which comes from God alone?

45 Don't think that I’ll accuse you before the Father, there's another who accuses you: even Moses in whom you have put your trust. 46 Because if you had truly believed Moses, you would have believed me; because he wrote about me; 47 but if you do not believe his writings: how will you believe anything I say?” (See Deuteronomy 18:15-19)

John 6

Jesus Feeds 5,000 Men

1 After these things Jesus went away, he crossed over the Sea of Galilee (which is called the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great multitude followed him, because they had seen his signs which he performed; for the sake of those who were sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and sat down there with his disciples.

4 Now the Passover Feast of the Jews was near: 5 so when Jesus lifted his eyes, and saw a great multitude of people coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, for these people to eat?” 6 But he said this to test him; because he himself

knew what he was going to do.

7 Philip answered Him, “200 days wages wouldn't buy enough bread for each of them to receive even a little.”(Literally, 200 denarii coins)

8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, told him, 9 “There's a boy here who has 5 barley loaves and 2 small fish; but what are they among so many?”

10 But Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” (recline) Now there was plenty of grass in that place; so the men sat down, about 5,000 in number. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to his disciples, and his disciples distributed them to those who were setting down, and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted.

12 Now when they were completely full, he told his disciples, “Gather up the abundance of leftover pieces that remain, so that nothing will be wasted.” 13 So they gathered up the abundance of leftover pieces from the 5 barley loaves which the people had eaten, and filled 12 baskets.

14 Now when the people saw the sign which Jesus had performed, they were saying, “indeed this is the prophet who was to come into the world.”

15 But since Jesus knew that they intended to come and take him, to make him King: he again went up

into the mountain, by himself alone.

Jesus Walks on the Water

16 Now when evening had come, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 and they stepped into a boat, and were crossing over the sea to Capernaum. And it had now become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 Then the waves of the sea arose because a strong wind was blowing. 19 And when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and he was coming near to the boat, and they were afraid. 20 But he told them, “I Am. Don't be afraid.” 21 Then they eagerly received him into the boat, and instantly, the boat was at the land to which they were going.

Jesus is the Bread of Life

22 The next day, the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea, having seen that there weren’t any other boat there, except the one which his disciples had gotten into, and they knew that Jesus hadn't boarded the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 But now other boats had also arrived there from Tiberias; they were near to the place where they had eaten the bread, after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the multitude saw that neither Jesus, nor his disciples were there; they also got into these boats, and came to Capernaum, to search for Jesus.

25 So when they found him on the other side of the sea, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you arrive here?”

26 Jesus answered them and said, “indeed indeed, I tell you, you're not seeking me because you saw signs; but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Don't work for food which will spoil, but for the food which will endure unto eternal life; which the Son of Man will give you: because God the Father has set his seal of approval on him."

28 Then they said to him, “What must we do; that we may work the works of God?”

29 Jesus answered and told them, “This is the work of God, that you put your trust in the one whom he has sent.”

30 Then they said to him, “What sign will you perform; so that we may see it, and put our trust in you? What work will you perform? 31 Our fathers ate manna in the wilderness, as it's written, ‘He Gave Them Bread from Heaven to Eat.’” (Exodus 16:4 & Psalm 78:24-25)

32 Therefore Jesus told them, “indeed indeed, I tell you, Moses didn't give you the true bread of heaven; rather my Father has given you the True Bread of Heaven: 33 because the Bread of God is the one that came down from heaven, and gives life to the world."

34 Then they told him, “Lord, always give us this bread.”

35 But Jesus told them, “I Am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever puts their trust in me will never at any time be thirsty.

36 But I tell you, even though you have seen me; you still do not believe. 37 Everyone who the Father has given to me, will come to me; and anyone who comes to me I will never turn away: 38 because I haven’t come down from heaven, to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of the Father who sent me, that I should not lose even one of everyone he has given to me; but that I should raise them up again, on the last day. 40 This also is the will of him who sent me, that everyone who looks to the Son, and trusts in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.”

41 Then the Jewish leaders began grumbling under their breath concerning him, because he said, “I Am the Bread that came down from heaven.” 42 And they were saying, “Isn’t this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? So how dare he say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”

43 Therefore Jesus answered and told them, “Stop grumbling among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me; and I will raise them up on the last day. 45 It's written in the Prophets, ‘And They Will All Be Taught by God Himself.’ (Isaiah 54:13) So whoever listens to, and has been taught by the Father, comes to me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except he who is from God: he has seen the Father.

47 indeed indeed, I tell you, whoever trusts in me has eternal life; 48 because I Am the Bread of Life.

49 Your fathers ate manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50 The Bread that came down from heaven, is that which anyone may eat of, and not die. 51 I Am the Living Bread that came down from heaven: if anyone eats of this bread, they will live throughout eternity. And my flesh also is the Bread; which I will give for the life of the world.”

52 Then the Jewish leaders began debating among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”

53 So Jesus told them, “ indeed indeed, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves. 54 Whoever eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, already has eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day. 55 Because my flesh truly is food, and my blood truly is drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood, remains in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father: so too whoever feeds on me, will live because of me. 58 This is the Bread which came down from heaven. It's not like the manna which our fathers ate, and sill died: whoever eats this Bread, will live throughout eternity.” 59 He said these things in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

60 Now when they heard this, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard saying; who can stand to listen to it?"

61 But Jesus, knowing within himself that even his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Have you caught in trap because of this saying? 62 What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending up to where he was before? 63 It's the Spirit which gives life: the flesh profits nothing. The words which I have spoken to you, are spirit and they are life. 64 Yet there are some of you; who do not truly believe.” (Because Jesus knew from the very beginning who they were who did not believe; and who the person was, that would betray him.) 65 So he said, “That's why I told you that no one can come to me; unless it’s been granted to them by my Father.”

66 From that moment on, many of his disciples went away, and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

68 Then Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 And we have become convinced, and know, that you are the Anointed, the Son of the living God.”

70 Jesus answered them, “Didn’t I choose the twelve of you? Yet one of you is a devil.” 71 Now he was speaking of Judas Iscariot, Simon Peter’s own son, because although he was the one of the twelve, he was going betray him.

6:71 "Iscariot" appears to be a 1st Century 'Latin Slang' term for "someone" with a “cloaked-dagger” i.e. “a back-stabber.” Someone, like the supposed friends of Julius Caesar, who threw their cloaks over him and then stabbed him to death.

John 7

Jesus’ Unbelieving Brothers

1 After these things Jesus was walking around in Galilee, because he didn't want to walk about in Judah, because the Jewish leaders were seeking to kill him. 2 Now it was almost time for the Jewish Feast of Tents. 3 So his brothers told him, “You should leave here, and go into Judah; so that your disciples may also see the works that you're doing: 4 because no one does anything in secret, when he himself seeks to speak out publicly. If you really are doing these things? Reveal yourself to the world.” 5 For even his own brothers didn’t believe in him.

6 Therefore Jesus told them, “My time has not come yet; but your time is always ready. 7 The world does not hate you. But it hates me, because I testify concerning it, that the things it does are hurtful. 8 You go up to this feast. I'm not going up to this feast yet; because my time has not yet fully come.” 9 And after telling them these things, he remained in Galilee.

Jesus at the Feast of Tents

10 But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, but not publicly, but as it were in secret.

11 Now the Jewish authorities were searching for him at the feast, and they were saying, “Where is he?” 12 There was also a lot of whispering and grumbling taking place among the multitude concerning him; because some were saying, “He's a good man.” While others were saying, “No, quite the contrary, he's deceiving the people.” 13 However no one was speaking openly about him, because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities.

14 But when it was now the middle of the feast, Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. 15 And the Jewish leaders were astonished, saying, “How does this man know the Scriptures, never having been formally taught?”

16 Jesus answered and told them, “My teaching is not my own, but his who sent me. 17 If anyone wants to do his will, they'll know concerning the teaching, whether it's from God or whether I have spoken for myself. 18 Whoever speaks for themselves, seeks their own glory. But whoever seeks the glory of the one who sent them is true, and there’s no unright-eousness in them.

19 Didn't Moses give you the law? Yet none of you practices the law. Why are you seeking to kill me?”

20 The multitude answered and said, “You have a demon.” “Who is seeking to kill you?”

21 Jesus told them, “I performed one deed among you, and you all were astonished. 22 The reason Moses gave you circumcision wasn't because it was from Moses; but rather because it was from the forefathers: and so you yourselves circumcise a man on the Day of Rest. 23 Now if it is permissible for a man to receive circumcision on the Day of Rest; so that the Law of Moses won't be left undone: why are you angry with me for making a person completely whole and healthy on the Day of Rest?

24 Don't judge according to outward appearance; but judge with righteous judgment.”

Is He the Anointed?

25 Then some of those from Jerusalem said, “Isn't this the man whom they are seeking to kill? 26 But look, he's speaking out boldly, yet they’re not saying a thing to him. Perhaps our leaders realize that he is indeed the Anointed?” 27 “However, we know where this man is from; but when the Anointed comes, no one will know where he is from.”

28 Therefore, as Jesus was teaching in the temple, he cried out saying, “You both know me, and you know where I am from; however, I didn’t come on my own initiative. But he who sent me is trustworthy and true; but you do not know him: 29 but I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.”

30 Therefore the authorities wanted to seize him, yet no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.

31 However, many of the people believed in him and said, “When the Anointed comes, will he do more signs than these which this man has done?”

Officials Sent to Arrest Jesus

32 When the Pharisees heard the multitude whispering such things about him, the Pharisees and the Chief Priests sent officers to seize him.

33 Then Jesus told them, “I will be with you only for a little while longer, then I'm going to return him who sent me.

34 You will search for me: but you won't find me; and where I Am, there you are unable to come.”

35 Therefore the Jewish leaders said among themselves, “Where does he intend to go that we won't find him? Does he intend to go to those scattered among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What does this saying mean, ‘You will search for me: but you won't find me; and where I am, there you are unable to come’?”

Rivers of Living Water

37 Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and called out, “If anyone is thirsty, let them come to me and drink. 38 Whoever trusts in me, just as the Scripture has said, ‘Out Of Their Inner Being Will Flow Rivers Of Living Water.’ ” 39 But this he spoke concerning the Holy Spirit, which those who trust in him were going to receive; because the Holy Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified. (Literally, their belly)

Division Among the People

40 Now when the multitude heard this saying, many of them said, “indeed this is the Prophet.”

41 Others were saying, “This is the Anointed.”

But some were saying, “Will the Anointed come out of Galilee? 42 Doesn't the Scripture say that the Anointed comes from the seed of David, and from the town of Bethlehem where David was?” 43 And so there was a division among the multitude because of him. 44 And some of them wanted to seize him, yet no one laid hands on him.

The Unbelief of The Religious-leaders

45 Then the officers returned to the Chief Priests and Pharisees, who said

to them, “Why didn't you bring him?”

46 The officers answered, “No human being ever spoken like this man.”

47 Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you deceived also? 48 Have any of the leaders or any of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this multitude is accursed. because they don’t know the law.”

50 Nicodemus (who came to Jesus at night), being one of them, said to them, 51 “Does our law condemn a person before it has heard from him, and knows what he is doing?”

52 They answered him and said, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and see, because no prophet has risen out of Galilee.”

53 Then everyone went to his own house. But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

John 8

A Woman Caught in Adultery

1 Then at sunrise Jesus came again into the temple, 2 And all the people came to him, then after sitting down, he taught them. 3 But the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman to him, whom they had arrested in the very act of committing adultery. Then having stood her in the midst of the crowd, 4 they said to him, “Teacher, we arrested this woman in the very act of committing adultery.

5 Now Moses in the law commanded us to stone such as her. So what do you say concerning her?” 6 Now they said this to test him, that they might have an accusation to bring against him. (Or, entice him; because they knew Jesus had compassion on people.)

Then having stooped down, Jesus began to write on the ground with his finger: 7 but since they continued asking him for his verdict, he stood up he told them, “The one among you has done nothing wrong: let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”

8 Then again stooping down, he wrote on the ground.

9 But having heard this and being convicted by their own conscience, they began going out one by one; beginning with the oldest even to the last. Then Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing in the midst of the crowd. 10 And having stood up, Jesus saw no one except for the woman, so he said to her, "Lady, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?"

11 And she said, “No one, Lord.”

Then Jesus told her, “Neither, do I condemn you: be on your way, and no longer do wrong.”

Jesus Is the Light of the World

12 Then Jesus again spoke to the crowd, saying, “I Am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will no longer walk in the darkness; because they will have the Light of Life.”

13 Therefore the Pharisees said to him, “You’re testifying about yourself; your testimony isn't valid.” (Or, true)

14 Jesus answered and told them, "Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true; because I know where I came from and where I am going: but you don’t know where I came from, nor where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh. I judge no one. 16 But if I judge, my judgment is valid; because it’s not my judgement alone: rather I, and my Father who sent me, agree. 17 And it's also written in your law that the testimony of two people is true: 18 I Am one who testifies about myself; and the Father who sent me also testifies about me.”

19 So they said to him, “Where Is your father?.”

So he told them, “You neither know me nor my Father: if you had known me, you would have known my Father also.” 20 Jesus spoke these words in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Where I’m Going You’re Not Able to Come

21 Therefore Jesus again told them, “I’m going away, and you will search for me; but you will die in your wrongs: therefore where I am going, you are unable to come.”

22 So the Jewish leaders said, “Is he going to kill himself? Because he said, ‘Where I am going you are unable to come’?”

23 Then he told them, “You're from below. I'm from above. You're of this world's system. I'm not of this world's system. 24 That's why I told you, ‘You will die in your wrongs.’ Because if you do not believe that I Am, you will die in your wrongs."

25 Therefore they asked him, “Who are you?”

Then Jesus told them, “The One who is from the beginning; which I have already told you. 26 I have many things to say, and to Judge, concerning you. But he who sent me is true: and I declare to the world, the things which I have heard from him.” (See Deuteronomy 18:18-19)

27 They didn't realize that he was speaking to them concerning the Father.

28 Therefore Jesus told them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man; then you will know that I Am. And that I have done nothing on my own; rather I speak these things just as my Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me; the Father hasn’t left me alone: because I always do the things which bring him pleasure.” 30 As he spoke these words, many believed in him.

The Truth Will Set You Free

31 Then Jesus told the Jews who had believed in him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples; 32 then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

33 Some answered him, “We are Abraham's seed, and never been enslaved to anyone. So how can you say, ‘You will be set free’?"

34 Jesus answered them, "indeed indeed, I tell you, everyone who continues to do wrong, is the slave of his wrong doing. 35 But a slave won’t remain in the household throughout eternity. 36 Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you will be truly free. (Literally, into the eternal age)

37 I know that you are Abraham’s seed. Yet, you are seeking to kill me, because there is no room for my word in you: 38 I speak about the things which I have seen with my Father; and you do the things which you have seen with your father."

Your Father is the Devil

39 They answered him and said, “Abraham is our father.”

Jesus told them, “If you were Abraham's children, then you’d do the same deeds Abraham did. 40 But now instead you are seeking to kill me, a man who has told you the truth; which I heard from God. Abraham didn't do this. 41 You're doing the deeds of your father.”

Therefore they told him, “We weren't born of prostitution. We have one Father, God.”

42 Therefore Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me: because I came from God, and now I am here, because I didn't come on my own accord, but instead he sent me.

43 Why don't you understand what I’m saying? It's because you're not able to hear my word. 44 You're of your father the devil. And you want to do the things that please your father: he was a murderer from the beginning; and he cannot stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; because he is a liar, and the father of it.

45 But since I speak the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which of you can convict me of wrongdoing? So if I am speaking the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 Whoever belongs to God, listens to what God says. Therefore you do not belong to God, because you do not listen.”

The Pre-existence of Christ

48 Therefore the Jewish leaders answered him and said, “Didn't we rightly say, ‘You're a Samaritan, and have a demon.’?”

49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon. But I honor my Father, and you dishonor me; 50 but I am not seeking my own glory. There is one who seeks and who judges.

51 indeed indeed, I tell you, if anyone keeps focused on my word; they will never see death, even throughout eternity.”

52 Therefore the Jewish leaders told him, “Now we know that you have a demon: Abraham and the prophets died, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps focused on my word, they will never taste death.’ 53 Surely, you're not greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets who died. Who do you make yourself out to be?”

54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It's my Father who glorifies me: of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ 55 But you do not know him; but I know him. If I were to say, ‘I do not know him’; then I would be a liar just like you. But I do know him, and I keep focused on his word. 56 Your father Abraham jumped for joy to see my day, and he saw it, and was filled with joy.”

57 Therefore the Jewish leaders said to him, “You're not even 50 years old. And have you seen Abraham?”

58 Jesus told them, " indeed indeed, I tell you, before Abraham even existed, I Am."

59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at him: but Jesus concealed himself, and went out of the temple; going right through the middle of them, and so passed by them.

8:58 "Before Abraham even existed, I Am." “I Am” in Greek “Egō eimi” This terminology was rarely used in Greek literature, but Jesus uses it often when referring to Himself. “Eimi" is in the present indicative tense, and both word are only used together when making “an emphatic statement.” Why did Jesus always make this 'emphatic statement' about himself? He makes the reason clear in verse 59, "Jesus told the Jewish leaders, 'indeed indeed, I tell you, Before Abraham existed, Egō eimi. (I AM.)' Therefore they picked up stones to throw at him..." They were going to stone Him, because they realized, He had just declared Himself to be GOD. For when the Jews translated the Hebrew Bible into Greek (around the 3rd Century B.C.), they chose this phrase “Egō eimi” "I AM." to translate the 2Hebrew name for God "YHVH," which means, “I AM FOR I AM." ~ So when Jesus emphatically declared "Before Abraham existed, Egō eimi." ~ He was declaring Himself to be GOD.

John 9

The Healing of a Man Born Blind

1 Now as Jesus passed by, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, “Rabbi, who did wrong that this man should be born blind? this man or his parents?”

3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents did wrong. 4 But while it is still day-time, I must do the works of him who sent me: so that God’s works may be revealed in him. 5 Because night-time is coming when no one can work: but as long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” (Please See Important Note.)

6 After saying these things, he spat on the ground, and made mud from the saliva, and he smeared the mud on the blind man's eyes. 7 Then he told him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.” (Which means, Sent.) So he went and washed, and came back seeing.

8 Therefore his neighbors, and those who had previously seen him when he was blind, were saying, “Isn't this the man who use to sit and begged?” 9 Some said, “That's him.”

But others said, “He looks like him.”

But he kept saying, “I am he.”

10 So they asked him, “How were your eyes opened?”

11 He answered and said, “The man who they call Jesus, made mud, and smeared it on my eyes, and told me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went, and washed, and I received my sight.”

12 So they asked him, “Where is he?”

He said, “I don't know?”

The Pharisees Investigate the Healing

13 They brought the man who previously had been blind to the Pharisees. 14 Now it was a Day of Rest when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 Therefore, the Pharisees also asked him how he had received sight. And he told them, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and now I see.”

16 Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This man isn't from God, because he doesn't observe the Day of Rest.”

Others were saying, “How could a man who is a wrongdoer perform such signs?” So there was division among them.

17 So they again addressed the blind man “What do you say about him, since he opened your eyes?”

He said, “He's a prophet.”

18 Therefore the Jewish leaders didn't believe, concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight; until they called the parents of him who had received sight. 19 And they asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? So how can he see now?”

20 His parents answered and told them, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind. 21 But we don’t know how he sees now? Nor do we know who opened his eyes? He’s of age, ask him. He can speak for himself.” 22 His parents said these things, because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders; because the Jewish leaders had already agreed that if anyone confessed that he was the Anointed, they were to be thrown out of the synagogue. 23 So his parents said, “He’s of age, ask him.”

24 Then they again called the man who had been blind, and told him, “Give God the glory. We know that this man is a wrongdoer.”

25 Then he answered and said, “Whether he's a wrongdoer or not, I do not know? One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

26 So they again said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”

27 He answered them, “I already told you: weren't you listening? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?”

28 Then they ridiculed him and said, “You're his disciple. But we're Moses’ disciples. 29 We know that God spoke to Moses; but as for this guy we don’t know where he is from?”

30 The man answered, “Well, that’s astonishing. He opened my eyes, and you still don't know where he is from? 31 We know that God doesn't listen to wrongdoers; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, he listens to him. 32 Since the beginning of this age, no one has ever heard of anyone opening the eyes of someone born blind. 33 If this man wasn't from God, he wouldn’t be able to do anything.”

34 They answered him and said, “You were completely born in wrongdoing. And are you going to teach us?” And they threw him out.

Spiritual Blindness

35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in God's Son?”

36 He answered and said, “Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him?”

37 Then Jesus told him, “You have both seen him, and he is the one speaking to you.”

38 Then he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him.

39 Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment: so that those who do not see, may see; and so that those who do see, may become blind.”

40 And some of the Pharisees, who were with him, heard these things; and they said to him, “Are we also blind?”

41 Jesus told them, “Perhaps if you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty of doing wrong? But now since you say, ‘We see.’ The guilt for your wrongdoing remains.” 

9:3-5 Because the King James Bible translators misplaced the punctuation marks in these verses, many Christians believe that God sometimes makes people sick for His Glory. Because the KJV reads, "Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents [:] but that the works of God should be made manifest in him [.] I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day [:] the night cometh, when no man can work." (Which makes it sound like God made this man blind, so God could show His power when Jesus healed him.) But the ancient Greek Texts DO NOT have ANY punctuation marks. (Punctuation marks were added in the 5th Century AD to make the Scriptures agree with their 'bad' theology.) So if you simple move the punctuation marks, the KJV would agree with the rest of Scripture. "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents [.] But that the works of God should be made manifest in him [,] I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day [.] The night cometh, when no man can work." HEALING brings Glory to God. ~ NOT SICKNESS. ~ Therefore, "GOD anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing EVERYONE who was oppressed by the devil; because GOD was with Him." (Acts 10:38) So “When they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing... they Glorified the God of Israel.” (Matthew 15:31)

John 10

The Good Shepherd & His Sheep

1 “ indeed indeed, I tell you, whoever doesn't enter into the sheep corral by the gate, but climbs up some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 But the one who enters through the gate, is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 And the gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. Then he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. 4 And when he has brought out his sheep, he goes on ahead of them; and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. 5 But they'll never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t recognize the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus spoke this allegory to them, but they didn't understand the things which he was telling them.

 Jesus is the Good Shepherd

7 Therefore, Jesus told them again, " indeed indeed, I tell you, I Am the Gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers; but the sheep didn't listen to them. 9 I Am the Gate. If anyone enters through me, they’ll be safe and secure, and they will go in and out and find good pasture.

10 The thief (the devil) doesn't come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: but I‘ve come that they may have life. And have it in all its fullness.

11 I Am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. 12 But the hired hand, since he isn't the shepherd, and doesn't own the sheep; when he sees the wolf approaching, he abandons the sheep and runs away. And the wolf snatches them, and scatters the sheep. 13 But the hired hand ran away, because he is a hired hand and doesn't care about the sheep.

14 I Am the Good Shepherd. and I know those who are my own, and those who are mine know me: 15 just like the Father knows me, and I also know the Father. And I lay down my life for our sheep. 16 I also have other sheep which aren't part of this fold; I must also bring them, and they will listen to my voice: then there will be One Flock and One Shepherd.

17 The Father loves me because of this: for I willingly lay down my life, in order that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own free-will. I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it up again; because I received this commandment from my Father.”

19 Then there was a division again among the Jews, because of these sayings: 20 and many of them were saying, “He has a demon and is insane. Why are you listening to him?” 21 But others were saying, “These aren't the sayings of someone who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of a blind person?”

The Jewish Leaders Reject Jesus

22 Now the Feast of Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus was walking in the temple, in Solomon’s Porch. 24 So the Jewish leaders surrounded him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you're the Anointed, boldly tell us so.”

25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, yet you didn't believe. The works which I do in my Fathers name, these testify about me: 26 but you do not believe because you're not my sheep. Just as I told you, 27 My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 And I give them eternal life; and they will never perish throughout eternity, nor can anyone snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than everything combined; and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are One.”

31 Therefore the Jewish leaders again took up stones in order to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I've shown you many good deeds from my Father; for which of those deeds are you going to stone me?”

33 The Jewish leaders answered him, saying, “We're not going to stone you for a good deed, but for blasphemy; and because you, being a human being, make yourself out to be God.”

34 Jesus answered them, “Isn't it written in your law, ‘I said, “You Are Gods.’ (Psalm 82:6) 35 If he calls them ‘Gods’, to whom God's Word came, (and the Scripture cannot be undone or altered), 36 Do you say of him, whom the Father has set apart as holy, and sent into the world, ‘You're blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am God's Son’?

37 If I'm not doing the deeds of my Father, do not believe me. 38 But if I am doing them, even if you don't believe me, be persuaded by the deeds themselves; so that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I am in him.”

39 Then they again tried to seize him, but he escaped out of their hand.

 Many Put Their Faith In Jesus

40 Then he went back across the Jordan again: to the place where John was baptizing at first, and he remained there. 41 And many came to him and said, “Indeed, John didn’t perform any sign; but everything that John said about this man was true.”

42 And many believed in him there.

John 11

The Death of Lazarus

1 Now a certain man was very weak, Lazarus of Bethany, the hometown of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 Now Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with myrrh and wiped his feet with her hair, her brother Lazarus was very weak. 3 So the sisters sent a messenger to him, saying, “Lord, the one whom you love is very weak.” 4 But when Jesus heard this, he said, “This sickness will not end in death; instead it will bring glory to God, because God's Son will be glorified through it.” (See note)

 5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus: 6 so when he heard that he was very weak, he remained where he was two more days. 7 Then after this, he told the disciples, “Let's go into Judah again.” (See note)

8 His disciples told him, “Rabbi, the Jewish leaders were just seeking to stone you, and are you going back

there again?”

9 Jesus answered, “Aren't there 12 hours of daylight? If anyone walks in the day-time, they won't stumble because they see by the light of the world. 10 But if anyone walks around in the night-time, they’ll stumble, because they have no light in themselves.” 11 After saying these things, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep. But I'm going there, in order to wake him up.”

12 So his disciples said, “Lord, if he’s fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 However Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that he was speaking of taking rest in sleep. (Literally, be saved)

14 So Jesus then told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 But I'm glad for your sakes; that I wasn't there in time, so that you may believe. Nevertheless, let's go to him.”

16 Therefore Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s also go; that we may die with him.”

Jesus is the Resurrection And Eternal Life

17 Therefore when Jesus arrived, he found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, only about 2 miles away. 19 So many of the Jews had come with the women who were around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. (Literally, 15 Roman Stadium laps)

20 Now when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him. But Mary was still sitting in the house. 21 Therefore Martha told Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn't have died: 22 but even now, I know that whatever you ask God for, God will give it to you.”

23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha told him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection, on the last day.”

25 Jesus told her, “I Am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever trusts in me, will continue to live, even if he dies. 26 And everyone who lives and trusts in me will never die throughout eternity. Do you believe this?”

27 She told him, “Yes, LORD, I believe that you are the Anointed. God's Son, who was to come into the world.”

Jesus Weeps

28 Then after saying these things, she went away, and secretly called her sister Mary saying, “The Teacher has come and he is calling for you.”

29 When she heard this, she got up quickly and came to him. 30 Now Jesus hadn't yet come into the town, but he was still in the place where Martha had met him.

31 Now, when the Jews who were in the house with Mary, comforting her, saw that she get up quickly and went out, they followed her, saying, “She's going to the tomb to weep there.”

32 So when Mary came to where Jesus was, seeing him, she fell down at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn't have died.”

33 Therefore when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had came with her also weeping, he became very angry in the Spirit and was deeply troubled. (See note)

34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?”

They told him, “Lord, come and see.”

35 Jesus wept.

36 Therefore the Jews said, “See how he loved him.”

37 But some of them said, “Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have done something so that this man wouldn't have died?"

Lazarus Brought Back to Life

38 Therefore coming to the tomb, Jesus again became very angry within himself, it was a cave and a large stone was lying against it. 39 So Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” (See note)

Martha, the sister of the dead man, told him, “Lord, by now there's a stench, because it’s been four days."

40 Jesus told her, “Didn't I tell you, that if you will trust and believe, you will see the glory of God.?”

41 So they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. Then Jesus lifted up his eyes toward Heaven, and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 Yet I know that you always hear me; but I’m saying this, because of the people who are standing around me, so that they may believe that you have sent me.”

43 After he had said this, he called out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 And he who had been dead, came out. His hands and feet were still bound with grave cloths, and a cloth was tied around his face. So Jesus told them, “Untie him, and let him go."

The Plot to Kill Jesus

45 So many of the Jews who had come to Mary, when they saw what Jesus had done, put their faith in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees, and told them what Jesus had done.

47 Therefore the Chief Priests and the Pharisees called a council together, and said, “What are we going to do? For this man is performing many signs. 48 If we let him to continue on like this, everyone will believe in him. And the Romans will come and take away both our position, and the nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, being the high priest that year, told them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor have you considered that it's advantageous for us that one man should die for the people; rather than for the whole nation to perish.”

51 But he didn't say from his own reasoning, but rather being high priest that year: he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 but not only for that nation, but also so that God's children, who had been scattered abroad, might be gather together into one people.

53 Therefore from that day forward, they plotted how to put him to death. 54 So Jesus no longer walked openly among the inhabitants of Judah; but instead he left there, and went to a region which is near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim; and he remained there with his disciples.

 55 Now it was nearly time for the Jewish Passover. So many were going up to Jerusalem from the country-side before the Passover, that they might purify themselves. 56 And they were searching for Jesus, and they spoke with one another as they stood in the temple, “Do you think that he might not come to the feast?” 57 Now both the Chief Priests and the Pharisees had given an order: that if anyone knew where he was, they were to report it; in order that they might arrest him.

John 11 Notes:

11:4 Sadly, some Christians get the idea from this verse, that God is glorified through their sickness; but that’s not what this verse teaches, nor do the Scriptures teach: God was going to be glorified not by this sickness, but because Jesus was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. As another Scripture also says, "When the multitude saw a paralytic healed, they marveled, and Glorified God, who had given such power to men." (Matthew 9:8) That’s why Jesus told His disciples, "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead. cast out demons." (Matthew 10:8) "Because all of the promises of God in him are, “Yes.” And in him, “So be it." that God may be Glorified through us." (2 Corinthians 1:20 ) So the only reason more miracles don't happen today, is because of ‘Our lack of Faith In God’s Promises.’ (See Hebrews 11:6 & 13:8, Luke 11:37, Matthew 17:20 & 21:21, Luke 17:6, Mark 11:22-24, James 5:17, 5:15, 1:6-8, James 2:23, Romans 4:16-22, and John 15:7-8, Romans 3:3-4.)

11:5-6 Many people are perplexed by these verses, because they assume, "If Jesus loved them, wouldn't he have left right away?" But from verse 17, we learn that when Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already been in the tomb 4 days. And in verse 6 we learned Jesus remained 2 days where he was; so this means it was a 2 day journey to from where Jesus was, to were Lazarus was. (So Lazarus was already dead when the messengers arrived.) Therefore since Lazarus was dead and Mary and Martha had already gone through 2 days of mourning: because Jesus Loved them, He waited two more days; so that their faith might become even stronger, After He Raised Lazarus From The Dead.

11:33-38 Most translations translate the Greek word "em-brim-ah´-om-ahee" here as "was deeply moved" or "groaned", but the word literally means, "to snort in anger“ like a warhorse. Why was Jesus so angry that He "snorted in anger like a warhorse."? We know that Jesus wasn’t angry with the people; because when he saw them weeping, "Jesus wept" too. (vs 35) So, I believe Jesus was angry because the devil is the one who brings death. So Jesus was angry because THE DEVIL HAD KILLED LAZARUS & BROUGHT SORROW TO THOSE WHOM HE LOVED. Because as Jesus said, in Chapter 10, "The thief (the devil) doesn't come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: but I came so that they might have life, and have it in all its fullness." (John 10:10) Therefore, "The LAST ENEMY TO BE DESTROYED will be death itself.” (1 Corinthians 15:26)

John 12

The Anointing at Bethany

1 Then 6 days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 So they prepared a dinner for him there, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the dinner table with him.

3 Then Mary took a pound of very expensive ointment, pure nard, and anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped his feet with her hair. And the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.

4 Therefore one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon Peter’s son (who was going to betray him), said, 5 “Why wasn't this ointment sold for 300 denarii (300 days wages) and given to the poor?” 6 But he didn't say this because he cared about the poor; but rather because he was a thief, and he had the money bag, and he use to take whatever was put in it.

7 Therefore Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She's kept this for the day of my burial: 8 for you will always have the poor with you, but you won't always have me.”

The Plot To Kill Lazarus

9 Now a great multitude of Jews came there because they knew that he was there: but they didn't come just because of Jesus, but also so that they might see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.

10 Now the Chief Priests were also plotting to kill Lazarus: 11 because on account of him, many of the Jewish leaders were forsaking them, and believing in Jesus.

Jesus’ Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem

12 The next day, when the great multitude who had come to the feast, heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem; 13 they took palm branches and went out to meet him, and they were shouting, “Hosanna.” (“Deliver and save us.”) “‘Blessed Is He Who Comes In The Name Of The LORD.’ The King of Israel.” (Psalm 118:25-26) 

14 Therefore Jesus, having found a young donkey, sat on it. As it's written, 15 “Don't Be Afraid, O Daughter Of Zion. Look, Your King Is Coming, Sitting On A Donkey's Colt.” (Zechariah 9:9)

16 But his disciples didn't understand these things at first; but when Jesus had been glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him, and that they had done these things to him.

17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, were testifying about it. 18 And so the multitude also met him for this reason; because they had heard thathe had this sign.

19 Therefore the Pharisees said among themselves, “Can't you see that you're accomplishing nothing? Look, the whole world has gone after him.”

Some Greeks Seek Jesus

20 There were also some Greeks, among those coming up to worship at the feast. 21 So they came to Philip (who was from Bethsaida of Galilee) and they earnestly requested of him, saying, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” 22 So Philip came and told Andrew, and Andrew and Philip in turn went and told Jesus. (Literally, Lord)

23 Jesus answered them by saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 indeed indeed, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it will produce much fruit.

25 Whoever loves their life will lose it, but whoever hates their life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.

26 If anyone wants to serve me; let them follow me: then my servant will be also where I am. If anyone serves

me, the Father will honor them.

The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up

27 Now my soul is troubled. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this very purpose, I came to this hour: 28 Father, glorify your name.”

Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have Glorified it. And I will Glorify it again.” 29 Therefore the multitude, who stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others were saying, "A heavenly messenger has spoken to him.”

30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice didn't come for my sake; but for your sake. 31 Now this world's system is judged: now the ruler of the world's system will be thrown out. 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth: I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 But he said this, to signify by what kind of death he intended to die.

34 The multitude answered him, “We've heard from the law that the Anointed will remain throughout eternity. So why do you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”

35 Therefore Jesus told them, “The light will be with you only a little while longer: walk while you still have the light; so that darkness won’t overwhelm you. For the one who walks in darkness, doesn't know where they are going. 36 While you still have the light; put your trust in the light, so that you may become Sons of Light.” After he spoke these things, Jesus went away, and he was concealed from them.

The Unbelief of the Jews

37 But even though he had done so many signs right in front of them, they still didn’t believe in him. 38 So the saying which had been spoken by the prophet Isaiah, was fulfilled,

“LORD, Who Has Believed Our Report? And To Whom Has The Arm Of The LORD Been Revealed?” (Isaiah 53:1)

39 This is why they couldn't believe, because Isaiah also said,

40 “He Has Blinded Their Eyes And Hardened Their Heart; So That They Should Not See With The Eyes And Understand With The Heart And Be Converted, That I Might Heal Them.” (Isaiah 6:10) *

41 Isaiah said these things when he saw his glory and spoke about him.

42 Yet indeed, even among the chief rulers, many believed in him: but they didn't confess him openly because of the Pharisees, because didn’t want to be thrown out of the synagogue: 43 because they loved praise from people, more than praise from God.

44 But Jesus called out, and said,

“Whoever trusts in me, doesn't trust in me, but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me, sees him who sent me. 46 I have come as light into the world: so that whoever trusts in me, will not remain in darkness.

47 And if anyone hears my words, and doesn't believe, I won’t judge them: because I didn’t come to condemn the world, but rather to save the world.

48 Whoever rejects me, and doesn't receive my WORDS, has one thing which will judge him: the very WORD which I have spoken, that same WORD will judge him on the last day. 49 Because I haven’t spoken on my own: but rather the Father himself, who sent me, he gave me explicit instructions as to what I was to say, and what I was to speak. 50 And I Know that His Commandment is Eternal Life. Therefore, whatever I speak, I speak just as the Father told me to.” (See note)

12:48-50 Jesus Fulfilled the Prophecy God had spoken to Moses, "I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put MY WORDS IN HIS MOUTH, and He will TELL THEM EVERYTHING that I command Him. It will happen, that whoever; will not listen TO MY WORDS WHICH HE WILL SPEAK in My Name, I will require it of them." (Deuteronomy 18:18-19) SO JESUS IS GOD'S FINAL “WORD” ON EVERYTHING.

John 13

Jesus Washes His Disciples Feet

1 Now Jesus knowing before the Passover Feast, that his hour had come to leave this world, and return to the Father: having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

2 Then as dinner was taking place, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon Peter's own son, to betray him. 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given everything into his hands, and that he had come from God, and was returning to God, 4 Got up from dinner, and having laid aside his outer garments, he took a towel and tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash his disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel which was wrapped around him.  (13:4 Literally, girded himself 13:5 Literally, he was girded with)

6 Then he came to Simon Peter, but Peter said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

7 Jesus answered him and said, “You won't understand what I’m doing right now; but you will understand later.”

8 Peter told him, “Even throughout eternity, you will never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered him, “If I don't wash you, you will have no part with me.”

9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not only my feet, but my hands and head also.”

10 Jesus told him, “Someone who has been bathed, has no need to be washed, other than his feet, but is completely clean. So you are clean: but not all of you...” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, because of this he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 Therefore after he had washed their feet, and taken his robes, he sat down again. And said to them, “Do you understand what I have done for you? 13 You call me, ‘The Teacher.’ and ‘The Lord.’ And you speak the truth beautifully, because I Am.

14 Therefore if I, who Am ‘The Teacher’ and ‘The Lord’ have washed your feet: you also are to wash each others feet; 15 because I have given you an example: that you should do just as I have done for you. (See note)

16 indeed indeed, I tell you, a servant isn't greater than their master; and a representative isn’t greater than the one who sent them: 17 if you understand these things, you will be supremely blessed if you do them. (Or, apostle.)

Jesus Foretells His Betrayal

18 I'm not speaking of all of you, I know those whom I have chosen: but this will fulfill the Scripture, ‘He Who Eats Bread With Me, Has Lifted Up His Heel Against Me.’ (Psalm 41:9) 19 I'm telling you this now, before it happens: so that when it does happen, you will believe that I Am.

20 indeed indeed, I tell you, whoever receives whomever I send, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives him who sent me.”

21 When Jesus had said these things, he was troubled in Spirit, and testified and said, " indeed indeed, I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” 22 Therefore his disciples looked around at one another,

perplexed about whom he spoke.

23 Now one of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was leaning back against his chest. 24 So Simon Peter motioned to him to ask him of whom he spoke.

25 As he leaned back against Jesus’ chest, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”

26 Jesus answered, “It's the one to whom I will give a piece of bread after I have dipped it.” So when he dipped the bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot (the Back-stabber), Simon Peter’s own son: 27 and after receiving the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you're about to do, do quickly.”

28 But none of those reclining at the table knew why he had spoken this to him: 29 for some thought that since Judas had the moneybag, Jesus had told him, ‘Buy what we need for the feast,' or that he should give something to the poor.

30 Therefore after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out, and it was night.

31 When he had gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified; and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and will glorify him very soon.

33 Little children, I’ll only be with you a little while longer: you will seek me; but as I told the Jews, so I now also tell you, ‘Where I am going, you’re not able to come.’

JESUS’ commandment To LOVe.

34 I am giving you A New Commandment: you’re to Love one another, just like I have Loved you. So you too, are to Love each other. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples; if you Love one another.” (See note below)

Peter's Denial Foretold

36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?”

Jesus answered him, “Where I am going, you're not able to follow me now; but you will follow me later.”

37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

38 Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for me? indeed indeed, I tell you, the rooster will not crow until you have utterly denied me three times.”

John 13 notes:

13:14-15 In those day it was customary to wash the feet of an honored guest: because the roads were filled with livestock, donkeys, horses, and camels; and they all pooped in the streets; so the dirt was truly filthy. And since people wore sandals, after a long journey, their feet were literally filthy. So when an honored guest came to your house, it was customary to have a servant wash their feet. But here the very Lord of Glory Himself, stoops down to wash His disciples feet. The example: the LORD is giving us WAS NOT that we should wash each other’s feet: but rather, we are to serve one another IN LOVE, and meet each other’s needs.

13:34-35 "Love & Loved" The Greek word 'Agape', MEANS "True Love." A "Love that is Genuine & Selfless." See 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 on page 49 for the True & Full Definition of "Love."

John 14

Jesus is the Way. The Truth. And the Life.

1 “Don't let your heart become troubled: you trust in God, trust also in me. 2 In my Fathers house there are many dwelling places, and if it wasn’t so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you: 3 and if I go to prepare a place for you; then I will return to receive you to myself: so that where I Am, there you may be also. 4 And you know where I am going, and you know the Way.”

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don't know where you are going? So how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus told him, “I Am the Way. The Truth. And the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also: from now on you do know him, and you have seen him.” (See 2 Corinthians 4:6 & John 1:18)

8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”

9 Jesus told him, “Philip, Have I been with you all this time, and still you don't know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. So how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me? The words that I have spoken to you: I haven’t spoken from myself, rather the Father who dwells inside of me, does these deeds. 11 Believe me: I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least, believe me, because of the deeds themselves.

12 indeed indeed, I tell you, whoever believes in me, will also do the very same deeds that I am doing; indeed, they will do even greater deeds than these. Because since I'm going to my Father: 13 I will do, whatever you ask in my name. So that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.

How to Show Jesus You Love indeed Him

15 If you Love me, you will keep focused on My Commandments. 16 And I will as the Father, and he will give you another Companion; who will remain with you throughout eternity. (See note) 17 The Spirit of Truth, whom the world isn't able to receive, because it doesn't see him, neither does it know him. But you will know him because he will always remain with you, and he will dwell inside of you.

18 I’m not leaving you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 But soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. And because I live, you will live also. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.

21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps focused on them, they're the one who Loves me. And whoever Loves me, will be Loved by my Father; and I will Love them, and reveal myself to them.”

22 Judas, (not Iscariot,) said to him, “Lord, what's happened? That you are going to reveal yourself to us, but not to the world?”

23 Jesus answered him and said, “If anyone Loves me, they will keep focused on my word; and my Father will Love them, and we will come to them, and we will make our home in of them. 24 The one who doesn’t keep focused on my words, doesn’t Love me; but the word which you have heard isn't my own, but rather the Father’s who sent me.

 25 I have spoken these things to you, while I’m still with you; 26 But the Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send to you in my name, he will teach you everything, and he will bring to your remembrance everything that I have spoken to you.

27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Don't allow your heart to become troubled. Don’t be afraid or timid.

 28 You've heard me tell you, 'I'm going away, but then I will return to you.' If you Loved me, you’d be happy, because I said, ‘I'm going to the Father.’ Because my Father is greater than I am. 29 And I have told you now, before it happens: so that when it does happen, you will believe.

30 I will no longer be speaking many things with you: because the chief ruler of this world's system is coming; but he has nothing in me. 31 I am going to do just as the Father has instructed me: in order that the world may know that I Love the Father.

So get up now, and follow me out of this place.”

John 14 Notes:

14:15 “If you Love me" LOVE is the Motivating Force Behind True Christianity. It’s God’s Love for us, that Motivates us to Love Him and to Love others: because, "We Love him, because he first Loved us." (1 John 4:19) For, "In this is Love, not that we Loved God, but that he Loved us, and sent his Son to be the satisfactory offering for our wrongdoings." (1 John 4:10) "For while we were still without strength, at just the right time Christ died for ungodly people. For rarely is anyone willing to die for a righteous person: though perhaps for a good person someone might even dare to die. But God demonstrated his own Love for us, in that, while we were still wrongdoers, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8) "What should we say concerning these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" He who didn't spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how will he not also with him freely give us everything" (Romans 8:31-32) Because as Jesus said, "If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father, who is in the heavens, give good things to those who ask him?" (Matthew 7:11) So "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variableness or shadow of turning," (James 1:17) from "the living God, who richly and freely gives us everything to enjoy." (1 Timothy 6:17) Therefore, "We Love him, because he first Loved us." (1 John 4:19)

"keep focused" Literal meaning: “to guard by keeping your eye on something.”

"My commandments" here, are "These things I command" in John 15:17, “THESE THINGS I COMMAND YOU: YOU'RE TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.” He says, "These things" because Love is demonstrated in many different ways.

14:16 "Companion" The Greek word "par-ak'-lay-ton" literally means, “one called along side to help”; and it’s the exact same word used to refer to Jesus in 1 John 2:1, where I translate it as "intercessor", "My little children, I'm writing these things to you so that you may not continue to do wrong. But if anyone does something wrong), we have an intercessor with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One." (This word is only used 5 times by John in the New Testament, and everywhere else it refers to the Holy Spirit.) So why does John use this word to refer both to the Holy Spirit & Jesus? Hebrews 4:14-16 gives us the answer to this question, "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, who has passed into the heavens, Jesus, God's Son, let's hold on tightly to our confession. Because we do not have a High Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our weaknesses; but he was tested and tempted in all points like we are, yet without doing any wrong. So we should come boldly before the throne of his cheerful favor, that we may obtain compassion, and find cheerful favor to help in time of need." So rather then being our "Defense Attorney before the Father" as some falsely claim: Jesus simply asks the Father to Help us, because He understands what it is like to be human. So as our High Priest, Jesus’ Ministry before the Father is very similar to that of the Holy Spirit: in that they are our "par-ak'-lay-toi," Intercessors, Helpers, Companions, and Closest Friends. (See John 17:11, Romans 8:31-34 & 1 Timothy 2:5)

John 15

Jesus is the True Vine

1 "I Am the True Vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 Every branch in me that doesn't bear fruit he lifts up. And every branch that is bearing fruit, he cleanses, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will also remain in you: just as a branch is unable bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine; neither can you, unless you remain in me. (See note)

5 I Am the Vine, you are the branches: the one who remains in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit. But apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone doesn't remain in me, they will be tossed aside like a broken branch, and they will dry up, and they'll be gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.

7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you: you can ask for whatever you desire, and it will done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you bear much fruit, and become my true disciples.

9 I also Love you: just as much, as the Father Loves me. So remain in my Love. 10 If you keep focused on my commandments, you will remain in my Love: just as I have kept focused on my Father’s commandments, and remain in his Love.

11 I have spoken these things to you, so that my joy may remain in you; in order that you also may be filled with joy.

Jesus repeats HIS Commandment TO LOVE

12 This is My Commandment: you’re to Love one another, just like I have Genuinely Loved you. 13 No one has greater Love than this; that someone should lay down their own life for their friends. 14 You are my friends, if you do those things which I have commanded you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, because a servant doesn't know what their Master is doing. But I call you friends, because everything that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you. (See Note)

16 You didn't choose me, but I chose you; and I appointed you, so that you could go and bear fruit, and so your fruit would remain. Therefore whatever you ask the Father for in my name, he will give to you. 17 These things I command you: you are to Love one another.”

(Note: Jesus says “These things I command you” because Love is demonstrated in many different ways.)

The World Will Hate You.

18 If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world's system, the world would have affection for you, as its own. But because you're not of the world's system, but rather, I have chosen you out of the world's system, that's why the world hates you. 20 Remember the word which I spoke to you, ‘A servant isn't greater than his Master.' If they persecuted me, they’ll also persecute you. If they keep focused on my word, they will also keep focused on yours.

21 But they’ll do all of these things to you because you bare my name; because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they wouldn’t have missed the mark, but now they have no excuse for their wrong. 23 Whoever hates me, hates my Father also. 24 If I had not performed the deeds among them, which no one else has done, they would not have missed the mark. But now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 Yet this fulfills the word which was written in their law, ‘They Hated Me For No Reason.’ (Psalm 35:19 & 69:4)

26 But when the Companion comes: whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth who comes from the Father, he will testify about me. 27 And you also will testify about me, because you have been with me from the beginning.”

John 15 Notes:

15:2-3 In New Testament times there wasn't an abundance of wood in Israel: because after 7 years of famine in the time of Elijah, most of the trees had died; plus the invading armies mentioned in the Old Testament, cut down every green tree to make the land completely desolate.

So since wood was scare, and rope costly; because it had to be made by hand: farmers let their grape vines trail out on the ground like melons. Then after the Spring rains they would go through their vineyard, and lift up the vines that were beginning to bud from the mud, and gently cleanse them with water, so that the mud would not hinder them from bearing beautiful fruit.

But as the centuries pasted, people became ignorant of this; and so the devil was able to introduce a false doctrine into our Bibles. In verse 2 the KJV reads, "Every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth..." And most other translations read, "Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes..." But the word which is translated as purgeth or prunes is kath-ah'-ee-ro, and it literally means, cleanses. These versions correctly translate kath-ah'-ee-ro as clean in verse 3, but mistranslate it in verse 2.

In reality, Jesus is Painting a Beautiful Picture Here: Revealing how God lovingly cleanses His people with the Water of His Word. As Jesus points out in verse 3, "You are ALREADY CLEAN because BECAUSE OF THE WORD which I have spoken to you." Paul uses this same illustration in Ephesians 5:25-26, "Christ also Loved the congregation, and gave himself for her; that he might make her pure and holy, having cleansed her with the washing of water of the Word." So God doesn’t prune His people; that is a LIE. Rather He lovingly washes us with the Water of His Word. 

15:15 Fulfills the prophecy God spoke to Moses, "I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My Words in His mouth, and He will tell them everything that I command Him. It will happen, that whoever will not listen to My words which He will speak in My name, I will require it of them.” (Deuteronomy 18:18-19)

John 16

1 "I have spoken these things to you, so that you wouldn't be caught in a trap. 2 They will throw you out of their assemblies. Indeed, an hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think that they are doing God a service. 3 Yet they will do these things to you, because they have neither know the Father, nor me. 4 But I have told you these things beforehand; so that when that hour comes, you will remember that I warned you about these things.

But I didn't tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I'm returning to him who sent me. Yet none of you are asking me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth, it’s advantageous for you, that I am going away; because if I didn’t go away, the Companion wouldn’t come to you: but if I go away, I will send him to you. 

The Work of the Holy Spirit

8 And when he comes, He will convict the world of wrongdoing, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of wrongdoing, because they haven't believed in me. 10 Of righteousness, because I’m going to my Father, and you will no longer see me. 11 And of judgment, because the chief ruler of this world's system has been judged. (See Note)

12 I still have many things to tell you; but you're not able to bear them now. 

13 But when he, the Spirit of Truth has come, he will guide you into all truth: because he will not speak from himself, but rather he will speak whatever he hears. And he will announce to you the things which are to come. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from that which is mine and explain it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine: that's why I said, he will take from that which is mine and explain it to you.

16 In a little while you will no longer see me. And then after a little while you will see me again, because I'm going to the Father.”

17 Therefore his disciples said to one another, “Why is he telling us, ‘In a little while you will no longer see me. And then after a little while you will see me again,’ and ‘because I'm going to the Father’?” 18 Therefore, they said, “Why does he say, ‘In a little while’? We don't understand what he’s telling us?”

19 Since Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him about this, he said to them, “Are you questioning among yourselves concerning why I said, ‘In a little while you will no longer see me. And then after a little while you will see me again,’? 20 indeed indeed, I tell you, that you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sad, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. 21 A woman when she is giving birth, has sorrow, because her hour has come. But as soon as the child is born, she no longer remembers the intense pressure, because of her joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So indeed, right now you also have sorrow; but I will see you again, and then your heart will rejoice, and no one will be able to take your joy from you.

23 And in that day you won't need to ask me regarding anything. indeed indeed, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father, in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Up until now you haven't asked for anything in my name. Ask, and you will receive it, that your joy may be full.

I Have Overcome the World

25 I have spoken these things to you in allegories: but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in allegories, instead I will speak clearly to you about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name; and I won't tell you, ‘I'll ask the Father for you,’ 27 because the Father himself Loves you, because you Love me, and have believed that I came forth from God. 28 I came forth from the Father, and I came into the world: now I’m leaving the world, and returning to the Father.”

29 His disciples told him, “See, now you’re speaking clearly, and you’re not speaking in an allegory. 30 Now we know that you know all things, and none of have any need to ask you about anything. Because of this we believe that you came from God.”

31 Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? 32 Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, when each of you will be scattered everyone to that which concerns him, and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 

33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace: in the world's system you will be under intense pressure; but be courageous, because I have overcome the world.”

John 16:8-9 Note: THE WRONGDOING the Holy Spirit convicts unbelievers of, is their wrong of not trusting in Jesus. So this is the wrong that we should make unbelievers aware of: because since Jesus IS GOD IN THE FLESH: to REJECT HIM, after hearing how he Died To Save You: IS THE ULTIMATE REJECTION GOD. ~ THE WRONG WHICH WILL NEVER BE FORGIVEN. (See John 3:36, Mark 3:28-29 Hebrews 2:3 & 10:29, Acts 4:12, 1 John 3:23, 2 Peter 2:21, John 9:41, & John 15:22-25)

John 17

1 Jesus spoke these words, and then lifted his eyes toward heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, so that your Son may also Glorify you. 2 Just as you gave him authority over all flesh, so that he could give eternal life to everyone you gave him. 3 And this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have Glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you gave me to do. 5 So now Father, Glorify me together with yourself; with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. 

6 I have revealed your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world's system. They were yours; and you gave them to me. And they have kept focused on your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me, is from you: 8 because I have given them the words which you gave me; and they have received them. Indeed, they also know that I came forth from you, and they have believed that you send me. (See Note)

9 I am praying for them: I'm not praying for the world system, but rather I’m praying for those whom you have given to me; because they are yours; 10 because everyone that I have is yours, and all of yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11 But I’m no longer going to be in this world's system; but they are still in this world's system, and I’m returning to you. Holy Father, in your name, watch

over those whom you have given to me: that they may be one, just as we are one.

12 While I was with them in this world's system; I watched over them in your name. Those who you gave to me, I have watched over: and none of them were destroyed, except for the son of destruction, so that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

13 And now, I am returning to you: and so I have spoken these things to them while I’m in the world, so that they may have the fullness of my joy within themselves. 

14 I have given them your word: and the world system has hated them, because they’re not of the world's system, just as I’m not of the world's system; 15 I'm not asking you to take them out of the world's system, but rather I’m asking that you would watch over and protect them from the evil one.

16 They're not of the world's system, just as I'm not of the world's system: 17 purify and make them holy by your truth, your word is truth. 

18 And just as you sent me into the world: I am now also sending them into the world; 19 and for their sake I purify myself, that they may also be made pure and holy in the truth.

20 I’m not only praying for these: but also for those who will believe in me, through their word. 21 That they may all be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you; that they may also be one in us.

So that the world may believe that you have sent me: 22 therefore the glory which you gave to me; I now give to them. That they may be one, just as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. So that they may be completely one in us.

So that the world may also know: that you have sent me and that you have Loved them just as much you have Loved me. (See Note)

24 Father, I also desire that those who you have given to me may be with me where I am: that they may see my glory; which you gave me, because you Loved me before the foundation of the world.

25 Righteous Father, although the world hasn’t known you, yet I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 And I have declared your name to them, and will continue to declare your name; so that the Love you have for me, may be in them, and I in them.”

John 17 Notes:

17:1-12 & 24-26 Jesus said, "I have revealed your name." But the name Jesus revealed to us wasn't "Yahway" or "I Am for I Am," but "Father." Because God now desires to be known as FATHER. So how His Hebrew name was once pronounced (under the Old Covenant), really isn't that important. And undoubtedly that’s why none of the apostles tried to teach non-Jewish Christians how to pronounce the Hebrew name for God: because we NOW KNOW GOD as "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." Which is a deeper revelation of God than “I Am for I Am”.

17:23 This is an awesome and amazing truth. ~ If you are Love Jesus: the Father Loves you just as much as He Loves Jesus.

John 18

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

1 When Jesus had spoken these things, he went out with his disciples and crossed over the Brook of Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who was betraying him, also knew the place, because Jesus had often had met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the Chief Priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches,

and weapons.

4 Therefore since Jesus knew everything that was coming upon him, he came forward, and said to them, “Who do you seek?”

5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus told them, “I Am.” (And Judas, who was betraying him was also standing with them.) 6 Now as soon as he told them, “I Am,” they went backward and fell to the ground.

7 So he asked them again, “Who do you seek?”

And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

8 Jesus answered, “I told you, ‘I Am.’ So if it is me whom you seek; let these go.” 9 Thus the word which he had spoken was fulfilled, “None of those whom you gave to me were destroyed.

10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priests servant, and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 

11 Then Jesus told Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath. Shouldn't I drink the cup which my Father has given to me?”

12 So the detachment of troops, the captain, and the servants of the Jewish elders took Jesus and bound him. 13 And they first led him away to Annas, because he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was the high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who had advised the Jewish elders, that it was advantageous for one man to die for the people.

15 And Simon Peter, and another disciple followed Jesus, and that disciple was known to the high priest, so he went into the high priest's courtyard with Jesus. 16 But Peter stood outside, by the door. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the door-keeper, and brought Peter in.

17 Then the servant girl, who was the door-keeper, said to Peter, “You're not also one of this man's disciples, are you?”

He said, “I am not.”

18 Now the servants and officers who were standing there had made a fire of coals, because it was cold, and they were warming themselves. And Peter also stood with them and warmed himself.

19 Then the high priest began questioning Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching.

20 Jesus answered him, “I’ve spoken out openly to the world: I always taught in the synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet; and I have spoken nothing secretly. 21 So why are you questioning me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them. They know what I said.”

22 And when he had said this, one of the servants who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do you answer the high priest like that.?”

23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken improperly, testify concerning what was improper. But if I have spoken beautifully: Why did you strike me?”

24 Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

25 But Simon Peter was still standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “Aren't you also one of his disciples?”

He denied him and said, “I am not.”

26 One of the high priests servants, being a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn't I see you in the garden with him?”

27 Then Peter denied him again, and immediately a rooster crowed.

28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Roman governor's head-quarters. Now it was very early in the morning, and they themselves didn’t go into the governor's head-quarters, because they didn't want to defile themselves; and not be able to eat the Passover.

29 So Pilate came out to them, and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?”

30 They answered him and said, “If he wasn’t a bad person, we wouldn’t have handed him over to you.”

31 So Pilate told them, “Then you take him, and judge him according to your law.”

Therefore the Jewish elders told him, “It's against the law for us to put anyone to death.” 32 Thus the saying, which Jesus had spoken to indicate by what kind of death he intended to die, was fulfilled.

33 So Pilate again entered into the governor's head-quarters. and called Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”

34 Jesus answered him, “Are you asking this yourself; or did others tell you this about me?”

35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own ethnic people and Chief Priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?”

36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom isn't of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have fought; so I would not have been handed over to the Jewish authorities. But my kingdom is not from here.”

37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a King?”

Jesus answered, “Are you saying that I am a King? I was born for this purpose, and for this reason I came into the world; so that I might testify concerning the truth. Everyone who is on the side of the truth, listens to my voice.”

38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” When he had said this, he again went out to the Jewish elders and told them, “I have found no offense in him.

Jesus is Sentenced to Die

39 But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover: So do you want me to release the King of the Jews to you?”

40 Then they all shouted out again and again, saying, “Not this man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber.

John 19

1 Therefore Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him, 3 And they said, “Be of good cheer, O King of the Jews.” as they slapped him with their hands.

4 Then Pilate again went out and told them, “Look, I'm bringing him out to you; so that you may know that I haven’t found any offense in him.” 5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate told them, “Behold the man.”

6 Therefore when the Chief Priests and officers saw him, they shouted out, saying, “Crucify him. Crucify him.”

Pilate told them, “You take him and crucify him; because I haven’t found any offense in him.”

7 The Jewish elders answered him, “We have a law. And according to our law, he must die. Because he made himself out to be God's Son.”

8 Now when Pilate heard that saying, he was much more afraid. 9 So he went back into the governor's head-quarters again, and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Therefore Pilate said to him, “Aren't you going to speak to me? Don't you know that I have the authority to crucify you, and the authority to release you?”

11 Jesus answered, “You wouldn't have any authority over me, unless it had been given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater wrong.”

12 From then on, Pilate sought to release him: but the Jewish elders shouted out, saying, “If you let this man go, you're no friend of Caesar. Because anyone who makes himself a king, speaks against Caesar.”

13 Therefore when Pilate heard that statement, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat, in a place that is called the Stone Mosaic, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the Preparation Day for the Passover, and it was about noon, the 6th hour of the day. Then he told the Jewish elders, “Behold, your King.”

15 But they shouted out, “Away with him. Away with him. Crucify him.”

Pilate said to them, “Should I crucify your King?”

The Chief Priests answered, “We have no king except Caesar.” 16 So he then handed him over to them to be crucified.

The Crucifixion 

Then they took Jesus, and led him away. 17 And he went out, carrying his cross, to a place called the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and 2 others with him, 1 on each side of him, and Jesus in the middle. 19 Now Pilate also wrote a notice and posted it on the cross, and it read:

 JESUS of NAZARETH
The KING of the JEWS

Note: In Hebrew the acrostic of these 4 words spells out “YHVH” the Hebrew name for GOD. And apparently this is what caused the Jewish Elders to be so upset, that they asked Pilate to change the wording on his sign. (See verse 21)

Yah’shua―Jesus
Hahazarie―of Nazareth
Vemelekh―the King
Hahudim―of the Jews

20 Therefore many of the Jews were reading this notice, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city. And it was written in Hebrew, in Greek, and in Latin.

21 So the Chief Priests of the Jews told Pilate, “Don't write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but instead write, ‘He said, I am the King of the Jews.’”

22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his clothes and divided them in four shares, to each soldier a share; and also his tunic. Now the tunic was seamless, woven from the top to the bottom as one piece. 24 So they said among themselves, “Let's not tear it, but cast lots for it, to see whose it will be.” Thus fulfilling the Scripture which states, “They Divided My Clothes Among Them, And They Cast Lots For My Garment.”Therefore the soldiers did these things. (Psalm 22:18)

25 Now his mother was standing beside Jesus' cross, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 So when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he Loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Lady, look, there's your son.” 27 Then he told his disciple, “Look, there's your mother.” And from that very hour, that disciple took her into his own care.

28 After this, Jesus, seeing that everything had now been fulfilled, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst.” 29 Now a pitcher full of sour wine was setting there, so they filled a sponge with sour wine, and put it on hyssop branch, and put it to his mouth. 30 Then after Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “Mission accomplished.” And bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.

31 Now since it was the Preparation Day, the Jewish elders asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and their bodies taken away; so that their bodies wouldn't remain on the cross on the Day of Rest, because that Day of Rest was the most Holy. 32 So the soldiers went and broke the legs of the first man, and of the other man who were crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was already dead, they didn't break his legs. 34 However, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water gushed out. 35 And he who saw it, has given his testimony, and his testimony is true: because he knows that he is telling the truth, in order that you might believe. 36 For these things happened to fulfill the Scripture, “Not Even One Of His Bones Will Be Broken.” 37 And again another Scripture states, “They Will Look On Him Whom They Had Pierced." (Psalm 34:20 & Zechariah 12:10)

38 Now after these things, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, out of fear of the Jewish authorities, asked Pilate to let him take Jesus' body away. And Pilate gave his permission. So he came and took Jesus' body away. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first had come to Jesus at night, also came and he brought about 100 pound mixture of myrrh and aloes-wood along with him. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths, with the spices, according to Jewish burial custom.

41 Now there was a garden in the place where he had been crucified, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So since it was the Jewish Preparation Day, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there

John 20

1 Now very early on the first of the days of Rest, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb, and she saw that the stone had been lifted from the tomb. 2 So she ran and came to Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus Loved, and told them, “They've taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have laid him?”

3 So Peter and the other disciple rushed out, and as they were rushing to the tomb, 4 they both ran together, but the other disciple outran Peter, and came to the tomb first. 5 Then stooping down to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying stretched out, however he did not enter. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. And he saw the linen cloths lying stretched out, 7 but the handkerchief which had been around his head wasn't lying with the linen cloths, but was twisted up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had came to the tomb first, also went in. And he saw and believed. 9 Because up until that moment they hadn't understood the Scripture, which states, that he must raise again from the dead. 10 Then his disciples returned to their own place.

11 But Mary stood outside beside the tomb, crying, but as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb, 12 and she saw 2 messengers in radiant white sitting where Jesus' body had lain, 1 at the head and the other at the feet.

13 And they said to her, “Lady, why are you crying?”

She told them, “Because they have taken my Lord away; and I don't know where they have laid him?”

14 Then after she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she didn't realize that he was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Lady, why are you crying? Whom do you seek?”

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.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned and said to him, “Rabboni.” (which is to say, “My Teacher.”)

17 Jesus told her, “Don't cling on to me, because I haven't yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brothers and sisters and tell them, I'm going to ascend to my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”

18 Mary Magdalene came and told his disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had told her these things.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

19 Now when it was evening on the 1st day of the days of Rest, at the house where the disciples had gathered together; the doors having been securely shut, because of fear the Jewish authorities might come: Jesus suddenly came and stood among them, and he said, “Peace be with you.” 20 And after he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Therefore his disciples were overwhelmed with joy, when they saw the Lord.

21 Then Jesus again told them, “Peace be with you. Just as my Father sent me, I am now also sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the wrongs of anyone, they are released from them. If you retain the wrongs of anyone, they are retained.”

24 But Thomas, 1 of the 12, who is called the Twin, wasn't with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We've seen the Lord.”

But he told them, “Unless I see the nail prints in his hands, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I won't believe it.”

26 Then after 8 days, when his disciples were again inside the house, and Thomas was with them, the doors having been securely shut, suddenly Jesus came and stood among them, and he said, “Peace be with you.”

27 Then he told Thomas, “Place your finger here, and see my hands. And bring your hand here, and thrust it into my side: then no longer be faithless, but believe.”

28 Then Thomas answered him and said, “My Lord. And my God.”

29 Jesus told him, “Thomas, you believe only because you have seen me; supremely blessed and happy are those who have not seen me, and yet believe.”

30 Indeed, Jesus also did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 but these things have been written, in order that you may be fully persuaded that Jesus is the Anointed. God's Son. So that by trusting in him, you may have life in his name.

John 21

Jesus Appears
To Seven of His Disciple

1 After these things, Jesus again revealed himself to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and this is how he revealed himself.

2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathaniel of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two of his others disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter told them, “I'm going fishing.”

They told him, “We'll also come with you.” Then they immediately left and got into a boat, but that night they didn’t caught anything. 4 But as the day began to dawn, they saw Jesus standing on the shore; but his disciples didn't know that it was Jesus. 5 So Jesus asked them, “Children, do you have anything to eat?”

They answered him, “No.”

6 Then he told them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some fish.” So they cast it, but then they weren’t able to pull it back in, because of the abundance of fish.

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus Loved told Peter, “It's the Lord.” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, because he was naked. Then he plunged into the sea; 8 but the other disciples came in the small boat, dragging the net with the fish, because they weren't very far from the shore, only about 100 yards away.

9 Now as soon as they came ashore, they saw a fire of coals there with fish already lying on it, and also bread. 10 Jesus told them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”

11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to shore. It was completely filled with 153 large fish; but even though there were so many, yet the net was not torn.

12 Jesus told them, “Come, eat breakfast.” But none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?" Because they knew it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus came and took some bread and gave it to them, and likewise of the fish.

14 This was now the third time that Jesus revealed himself to his disciples, after he had risen from the dead.

15 Then when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah: do you truly Love me more than these?”

He told him, “Yes Lord, you know I have affection for you.”

He told him, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again he said to him a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah: do you truly Love me?”

He told him, “Yes Lord, you know I have affection for you.”

He told him, “Shepherd my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon, son of Jonah: do you have affection for me?” Peter was saddened because the third time he said to him, “Do you have affection for me?”

And he told him, “Lord, you know everything; you know I have affection for you.”

Jesus told him, “Feed my sheep.”

18 " indeed indeed, I tell you, when you were younger: you would bind your belt around you and walk wherever you wanted to go: but when you are old: you will stretch out your hands and someone else will bind you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 He spoke this to indicate by what kind of death he was going to glorify God. Then when he had spoken this, he told him, “Follow me.”

20 Then Peter turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus Loved following them, who also had leaned on Jesus' chest during dinner, and who had asked, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?”

22 Jesus told him, “If I want him to remain until I come; of what concern is that to you? You are to follow me.”

23 Therefore this saying spread among the brothers and sisters that this disciple would not die: but Jesus didn’t tell him that he would not die, but just,, “If I want him to remain until I come; of what concern is that to you?”

24 This is the disciple who testifies concerning these things, and who wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

25 Now there were also many other things which Jesus did, which I suppose, that if they were written down individually, even the world itself could not contain all the books that would be written.

Amen. (Yes, indeed.)