The Jews Against Jesus

²²It was winter, and the time came for the Festival of Dedication* at Jerusalem. ²³Jesus was in the temple* area at Solomon's Porch.* ²⁴The Jews gathered around Jesus. They said, "How long will you make us wonder about you? If you are the Christ,* then tell us clearly." ²⁵Jesus answered, "I told you already, but you did not believe. I do miracles* in my Father's name. Those miracles show who I am. ²⁶But you don't believe. Why? Because you are not my sheep (people). ²⁷My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸I give my sheep eternal life. They will never die. And no person can take them out of my hand. ²⁹My Father gave my sheep to me. He is greater than all. No person can steal my sheep out of my Father's hand. ³⁰The Father and I are one." ³¹Again the Jews picked up rocks to kill Jesus. ³²But Jesus said to them, "I have done many good things from the Father. You have seen those things. Which of those good things are you killing me for?" ³³The Jews answered, "We are not killing you for any good thing you did. But you say things that are against God. You are only a man, but you say you are the same as God! That is why we are trying to kill you with rocks!" ³⁴Jesus answered, "It is written in your law, 'I (God) said you are gods.'* ³⁵This Scripture* called those people gods--the people that received God's message. And Scripture is always true. ³⁶So why do you say that I am saying things that are against God because I said, 'I am God's Son'? I am the one God chose and sent into the world. ³⁷If I don't do what my Father does, then don't believe what I say. ³⁸But if I do the same things my Father does, then you should believe in the things I do. You might not believe in me, but you should believe in the things I do. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." ³⁹The Jews tried to get Jesus again. But Jesus escaped from them. ⁴⁰Then Jesus went back across the Jordan River. Jesus went to the place where John* was baptizing* before. Jesus stayed there, ⁴¹and many people came to him. The people said, "John never did a miracle.* But everything John said about this man (Jesus) is true." ⁴²And many people there believed in Jesus.

Festival of Dedication Hanukkah, a special week celebrated by the Jews in December. temple The special building in Jerusalem for Jewish worship. Solomon's Porch An area on the east side of the temple. It was covered by a roof. Christ The "anointed one" (Messiah) or chosen one of God. miracle(s) Miracles are amazing works done by God's power. 'I ... gods' Quote from Ps. 82:6. Scripture Part of the Holy Writings--Old Testament. John John the Baptizer, the man that told people about Christ's coming (Read Mt. 3; Lk. 3). baptize(d), baptizing Greek word meaning to immerse, dip, or bury a person or thing briefly under water. miracle(s) Miracles are amazing works done by God's power.