Tag: Advice

Lifted Up

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John 12:27-36 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spoke to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abide for ever: and how says thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walk in darkness know not whither he goes. While you have light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. 

The devil tried to kill Christ before He could get to the cross, but God heard Jesus’ prayer and saved Him from death (Heb. 5:7; Luke 22:43-44). If satan could have succeeded in killing Christ anytime from infancy to the cross he could have defeated God’s plan of redemption. Christ had to get to the cross where He spoiled satanic powers and triumphed over them (Col. 2:14-17; 1Pet. 2:24). His soul was troubled because of the cup of death on the cross where He carried our sin on Him.

‘I have both glorified it’ referring to Christ glorifying God in satan’s defeat; (Matt. 4:1-11) ‘will glorify it again’ referring to satan’s final defeat at the cross (Col. 2:14-17).

The people heard the voice from Heaven as a sound, like those who heard Christ’s voice to Paul as a sound, not hearing the distinction of the words the voice uttered (Acts 9:7 with 22:9).

‘For your sakes’ – for the sake of the Gentiles that had been brought to Jesus to confirm their faith in Christ.

‘Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.’ The 25th New Testament prophecy in John that is fulfilled through His crucifixion.

‘Judgment’ is the Greek word crisis. This refers to the judgment of the world upon the cross. Yes, salvation came for those accepting Christ and living as commanded in obedience, (1 Pet. 2:21-23) but judgment for those who seek their own glory or that of other people.

‘The prince of this world’ the Greek word archon; applied to Satan as ruler of the world-system (John 14:30; 16:11); ruler of demons (Matt. 12:24; Mark 3:22); and ruler of the air (Eph. 2:2).

‘Lifted up’ from this we conclude that Jesus being “lifted up” refers more to the heavenly exaltation through crucifixion than merely to the cross itself (John 3:14; 8:28).

‘Draw all men unto me’ It is because of His exaltation that He can draw all men to Him by the Holy Spirit and miraculous works through believers in confirming the gospel (John 7:37-39; 14:12; Acts 2:33; Heb. 2:3-4).

‘Yet a little while is the light with you.’ The Messiah does abide forever, but like the sun He is not always visible. He told them to believe in Him [trust on Him] while they can and be children [followers] of light and that darkness was to come when they longed for Him and couldn’t find Him (Luke 17:22; John 7:34; Matt. 21:43).

Corn of Wheat

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John 12:20-26 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and tell Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it bring forth much fruit. He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hate his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. 

‘Certain Greeks’ these were Gentile proselytes to the Jewish religion (1Kin. 8:41-42; Matt. 23:1-39). They came to worship in the outer court of the Gentiles. They would not be allowed to eat of the feast unless they were proselytes (Ex. 12:48).

Philip, one of the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). His call took place in chapter 1:43-50); he was the brother of Nathaniel and is mentioned three other times (6:5-7; 12:20-22; 14:8-13).

Andrew, one of the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:2; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). He was a fisherman and the brother to Peter (Mat. 4:18; John 1:41-44). He was a disciple of John (1:40) at first and is mentioned three other times (Mark 13:3-4; John 6:8; 12:20-22).

The 24th New Testament prophecy in John that is fulfilled: The hour is come for Jesus’ sufferings and the glory that will come when the middle wall of partition is broken down between the Jews and Gentiles so they can be united in one body (Mat. 27:51; 1Cor. 12:13; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-14; Eph. 2:12-18; 3:6; Gal. 3:28).

Jesus compares Himself to a grain of wheat: His death to a grain sown and decomposed in the ground; His resurrection to the blade that springs up out of the dead grain; and His manifestation and glorification to the abundant fruit of the many grains produced to sustain life. He should have died to be glorified and fruitful. He could not establish a glorious body of believers unless He was glorified (7:37-39; Acts 2:33; Eph. 1:1-23).

The many elements of mystery surround the death and resurrection of any seed. We believe a dead grain multiplies itself and we are nourished by its multiplication, but we cannot understand how it is done. We cannot tell how one grain becomes multiplied into many – how the earth, air, water, and sunshine cooperate together to create new life. We believe it, not because we understand it, but because it produces results. If we cannot explain and fully understand these earthly things why do we have to understand the infinite purposes and works of God in redeeming men through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ before we believe?

Hosanna

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John 12:9-19 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive you how you prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. 

The people wanted to see Lazarus and it shows the common curiosity of men in all ages to see famous people. The chief priests however have decided to kill – the Greek word apokteino which implies a violent death, not by judicial execution. What a crime! How far will religious people go to commit sin to protect their own interests? These people withdrew from the faction of the chief priests to those who were not willing to kill Jesus or Lazarus.

The 4th day before the passover, the 11th of Nisan (April), our Saturday sunset to Sunday sunset. The day of the second triumphal entry (Mark 11:1-7; Luke 19:29-35). Jesus left Bethany and was met by multitudes from Jerusalem (Mark 11:8-10; Luke 19:36-40). He wept over the city (Luke 19:41-44), entered the temple, looked around and returned to Bethany to spend the night (Luke 11:11).

‘Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that come in the name of the Lord’ this is the 5th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled (Psa. 118:25-26). Hosanna is Aramaic for God save or help. ‘Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King come, sitting on an ass’s colt.’ The 6th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in John (Zec. 9:9).

‘When Jesus was glorified’ after Jesus was crucified his disciples understood many things He taught them for the first time.

‘Bare record’ These eyewitnesses of the resurrection of Lazarus gave public testimony to the fact and caused many to believe in Jesus.

The Pharisees were frantic when they saw the multitudes leaving them and following Jesus. Something had to be done, but caution must be exercised lest the people turn on them and destroy them.

Mary Anoints Jesus

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John 12:1-8 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then said one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always you have with you; but me ye have not always. 

‘Six days before the passover’ On the 9th day of Nisan (our April) – our Thursday sunset to Friday sunset. He came to Jericho and spent Thursday night at the house of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). He delivered the parable of the pounds and proceeded to Jerusalem (Luke 19:11-28). He sent two disciples for the ass and her colt, making His first entry into Jerusalem and returning to Bethany in the evening of Friday (Mat. 21:1-17).

This was the first of three suppers of the last week: the first one was six days before the passover in the house of Lazarus. Jesus slept here Friday night and spent the last sabbath in rest and at sunset when the sabbath ended the supper was served. Mary anointed the Lord on this occasion. The second one took place two days before the passover in the house of Simon the leper, also in Bethany (Mar. 14:1-9). At this supper an unknown woman anointed Jesus. Then there was the last supper (John 13:1-20; Mat. 26:20; Mark 14:17; Luke 22:14).

Judas Iscariot complained about the use of the expensive ointment, for at this stage he was in a backslidden stage and was accumulating wealth and wanted to steal the ointment for profit, not to sell and give to the poor, for he was past caring for others. Jesus told him to leave her alone for she was anointing Him for His death as He made another reference to His death which the disciples failed to see.

The Jew’s Passover

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John 11:54-57 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. Then sought they for Jesus, and spoke among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think you, that he will not come to the feast? Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should show it, that they might take him. 

From the day the Sanhedrin made its final decision to destroy Jesus (11:53), He no longer walked openly among the Jews. The raising of Lazarus was the last of three great miracles that brought this to a climax: There was the healing of the impotent man on the sabbath (John 5:1-16); the healing of the blind man on the sabbath (John 9:16, 22, 34); and raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:46-54).

Ephraim was a city about 32 kilometres north of Jerusalem near Bethel. Jesus stayed here about two months until the passover.

‘Jew’s passover’ It started out to be ‘the Lord’s Passover’ (Ex. 12:11, 27; Lev. 23:5; Num. 28:16), but now it had degenerated to be ‘the Jews’ Passover’ (John 2:13; 6:4; 11:55). The feasts of the Lord (Lev. 23:2) had now become the feasts of the Jews (John 5:1; 6:4; 7:2; 11:56; 19:42). Even the commandments were nullified by the traditions of men (Matt. 15:1-9; 16:6-12).

‘Purify themselves’ in preparation of the passover they went through Levitical ceremonial cleansing from touching the dead and other unclean things (Num. 9:6-10).

The Jews sought for Jesus at the temple and wandered amongst themselves whether He would come to the feast. But the chief priests and Pharisees made a commandment, that, if anyone knew where Jesus was, they should reveal Him so that He can be arrested.

The Plot to Kill Jesus

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John 11:45-53 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man does many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, You know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spoke he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. 

 ‘Some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.’ Many believed, but some, perhaps the temple spies, went to report to the rulers. They admitted the miracles, but their hearts were hardened to resist all claims of Jesus on their lives.

They thought that if they did not get rid of Jesus, all men will believe in Him and make Him king. They feared that the Romans will come against the Jews to destroy the nation and take the temple from them. [Which came to past – Job 3:25] In the law the priests were in office for life, but here it was an annual term; the Romans and Herod chose whom they pleased for this office. According to Josephus (Antiquities 18:4:3), Joseph was his name and Caiaphas his surname.

‘Expedient for us, that one man should die for the people’ Caiaphas prophesied that it was in their interest that Jesus should die in the place of the whole nation. God seemingly used the ungodly high priest as He used Balaam in Num. 22:38.

‘One’ referring to the Jews of the dispersion, this will be fulfilled at the second coming (Matt. 24:31; Isa. 11:11-12; Eze. 37:1-28). ‘Together for to put him to death’ At other times they had plotted His death, but the council had been divided. God used the divisions to give time for the teaching, example, and miracles of Jesus to do their work.

Lazarus Raised

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John 11:38-44 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, said unto him, Lord, by this time he stink: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus said unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou would believe, thou should see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hear me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus said unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 

Jews generally cut their graves out of the faces of cliffs. The stone here did not lie upon the grave-opening but leaned against it. Lazarus has putrefactive odour by now for he has been dead four days.

‘Said I not unto thee, that, if thou would believe, thou should see the glory of God?’ This is nowhere stated before this, proving that the record is not complete of everything said on this occasion (John 21:25).

‘Lifted up his eyes’ Jesus looked up to heaven, having eyes open (Mat. 17:8; Luke 6:20; 16:23; John 4:35; 6:5; 17:1). ‘Father’ Fifteen times Christ used this name in prayer when He prayed unto the Father who was in Heaven (Mat. 11:25-26; 26:39, 42; Luke 23:34, 46; John 11:41; 12:27-28; 17:1, 5, 11, 21, 24-25). ‘Thou hast heard me’ this suggests that Christ had already prayed and was heard, receiving the will of God in this case before He started on His trip to Bethany (John 11:3-6). He was no doubt led by God to delay this trip as recorded here.

‘That they may believe that thou hast sent me’ There are 14 purposes of Christ’s miracles: To make believers (John 2:23; 4:48; 11:42; 12:37; 14:11); to fulfill prophecy (Isa. 11:2; 61:1-2; Mat.8:17; Luke 4:18) to demonstrate God’s will (John 5:30; 6:38; 10:10; Heb. 10:7); to destroy works of satan (Luke 13:16; Acts 10:38; 1Jn. 3:8); to give abundant life (John 10:10); to confirm His Sonship and Messianic claims (John 5:17-19, 30-36; 10:25, 36-38; 14:10-11; 15:24; 20:30-31; Acts 2:32); to confirm God’s Word and love (John 5:20; Heb. 2:3-4); to prove that God was with Him (John 3:2; Acts 10:38); to demonstrate God’s power over satan (Luke 10:19; 13:16; Mat. 12:28; Acts 10:38); to prove the kingdom of God present (Mat. 12:28); to glorify God (John 2:11; 11:4; Mat. 9:8; 15:31; Mark 2:12; Luke 4:15; 5:26; 7:16; 13:13); to set an example for all believers (Mat. 10:1-8; 28:20; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:6; 10:9; John17:18); to demonstrate the power of the Spirit baptism (Mat. 20:22-23; Luke 4:18; John 3:34); to demonstrate full salvation for body, soul, and spirit (Mat. 4:23-24; 8:17; 9:35; 13:15; John 10:10; 1Pet. 2:24; Isa. 53:4-5).

‘Cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth’ He spoke loud enough that all standing could hear the command and see that even the dead were subject to Him. Lazarus that had been dead came forth. ‘bound hand and foot with graveclothes’ This does not necessarily mean that his legs were bound together like a mummy, but bound separately, so he could not walk freely until loosed from the grave clothes or strips of linen.

Jesus Wept

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John 11:28-37 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and call for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goes unto the grave to weep there. Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou had been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? 

‘The Master is come, and call for thee.’ Jesus had evidently requested Mary to be present so she could witness the resurrection of her brother. Jesus waited for her to come before proceeding to the grave.

Jewish burying places were outside the towns and villages. It was the custom of relatives and friends to go often to the grave to weep during the three days of mourning and four days of lamentation. It was about time for the spirit to leave the grave, as the rabbis taught.

‘If thou had been here, my brother had not died’ She also expressed faith in what would have happened if Jesus had arrived before her brother died. She made no request concerning the resurrection.

‘He groaned’ Greek word embrimaomai, be very angry, moved with indignation (John 11:33, 38; Mat. 9:30; Mark 1:43; 14:5). What He was moved against here was no doubt the satanic powers that had Lazarus in their grip (Heb. 2:14-15). He became troubled, Greek word tarasso meaning to stir or agitate) in mind. He faced a conflict with satan, the power of death.

‘Jesus wept.’ The shortest verse in the Bible but very expressive of the humanity of Jesus is generous and sympathetic feelings for His friends. He wept with those who wept and caused even His enemies to acknowledge His love and compassion (John 11:33, 36; Isa. 53:3; Heb. 2:16-18; 4:15; Rom.12:15). Another cause of His weeping might have been the fearful and universal ravages of sin and death, and the ever-darkening shadows of unbelief of His race that would lead them to the final rejection of Him and total destruction of the nation (John 11:46-54; Luke 13:34-35; 19:41; Mat. 23:37-39).

‘Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?’ Certainly He could! They had no idea that a greater miracle was about to be performed than healing the blind.

Resurrection and Life

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John 11:17-27 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou had been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus said unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha said unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever live and believeth in me shall never die. Believe thou this? She said unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. 

‘Four days’ – two days after Jesus received the message from the sisters. At least one day was spent on the road and another when the messenger went from the sisters. Bethany was about three kilometres from Jerusalem.

The rabbis had an idea that the spirit wandered about the sepulchre for three days, called days of weeping, seeking an opportunity to return to the body. When decomposition set in on the fourth day, the spirit left the grave and the people beat their breasts in loud lamentations four days, making seven days of mourning (Gen. 27:41).

It was a custom for formal visitations of friends to last several days. As soon as they returned from the grave the mourners stood in a long row, and their friends passed by, each speaking a word of comfort while passing. There were afterwards several visits of sympathy at the house. ‘Sat still in the house’ this was a customary posture in time of grief (Ps. 137:1; Isa. 47:1; Luke 1:79; Mat. 27:61).

‘Whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee’ Jesus had demonstrated His success in getting answers to prayer for years, even to raising the dead, so her statement was backed by many historical proofs. This is exactly the kind of answers Jesus promised every believer without exception (John 14:1-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26). Jesus also knew this to be a fact, hence His absolute confidence that He was going to raise Lazarus (John 11:11-16). Martha did not ask such a favor in direct terms; she only expressed the faith in His ability to do it. This is why many prayers today are not answered.

In Him is all life (1Jn. 5:11-12; John 1:4; 3:15-20, 36; 5:24; 14:6). ‘Though he were dead, yet shall he live’ even though Lazarus died physically (Heb. 9:27), yet he will be resurrected physically to live forever (1Cor. 15:20-23, 51-58; 1Thes. 4:13-18). Whosoever believes in Jesus in this life will live eternally.

‘Believe thou this?’ The answer confirmed Martha’s faith in His Messiahship and Sonship, but her faith went no further concerning the pressing need of her brother. She was like many others who stop short of a direct request and absolute faith for what they want.

Hear His Voice

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John 10:27-42 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for which of those works do you stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, make thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, You are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say you of him, whom the Father has sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blaspheme; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though you believe not me, believe the works: that you may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there. 

Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice, and He knows them, and they follow Him and He gives them eternal life, and they shall never perish or be plucked out of His hand.

The Father is greater than all the united forces of men, fallen angels, demons, and all enemies, so no one need to fear of being snatched out of God’s hand. The only thing one must do is come to God and permit His salvation and keeping power to be manifested. God cannot keep one contrary to his will any more than He kept Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-14; 1Tim. 3:6), angels (2Pet. 2:4; Jud. 1:6-7), pre-Adamites (Jer. 4:23-26; 2Pet. 3:5-7), demons (Matt. 8:29), Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:1-24; Rom. 5:12-21), and many others who willed to sin.

‘I and my Father are one’ One in unity (John 17:11, 21-23), not one in person or individuality (Dan. 7:9-14; 1Jn. 5:7; Acts 7:55; Rom. 8:34; 1Cor. 8:6; 11:3; Eph. 1:20-23; 4:1-6; 1Tim. 2:5; Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 12:2; 1Pet. 3:22).

They attempted to stone Jesus again for blasphemy (John 8:59; Lev. 24:14-16) for stating He was in unity with the Father. ‘For which of those works do you stone me?’ Jesus healed their sick, casted out demons, cleansed lepers, raised the dead, fed multitudes, and taught them the truth at all times without charge. And this was His reward: being stoned.

‘You are gods?’ Quoted from Psalm 82:6. The word ‘law’ is sometimes used of all sacred writings (John 12:34; 15:25). If ordinary judges were called gods, why should it be blasphemy of Jesus to claim deity when He was the Son of God and one with God?

Jesus was sanctified by the Father and sent into the world by Him but the Jews said He blasphemed because He said He is the Son of God. Jesus asked them to judge Him on the basis of the works He did and to believe the works so that they might know and believe that He is one [in unity] with the Father.

They sought again to arrest Him (John 7:30, 32, 44). How He escaped is not stated. Jesus went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized and He stayed here opposite Jericho from December to the time of going back to Bethany to resurrect Lazarus. Then He went to Ephraim until April when He was crucified (John 11:54).

Many turned to Jesus for help and said John did no miracles but all things that he spoke of Jesus were true. There is no record of any miracle by John; but he had the power to do some, for he had Elijah’s power (Luke 1:17).