John 10:22-42 : Easy-to-Read Version
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.