Study Desk

But after his brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view.

There was a lot of grumbling about him among the crowds. Some argued, "He's a good man," but others said, "He's nothing but a fraud who deceives the people."

But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders.

Those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies.

Moses gave you the law, but none of you obeys it! In fact, you are trying to kill me."

But you work on the Sabbath, too, when you obey Moses' law of circumcision. (Actually, this tradition of circumcision began with the patriarchs, long before the law of Moses.)

But here he is, speaking in public, and they say nothing to him. Could our leaders possibly believe that he is the Messiah?

But how could he be? For we know where this man comes from. When the Messiah comes, he will simply appear; no one will know where he comes from."

While Jesus was teaching in the Temple, he called out, "Yes, you know me, and you know where I come from. But I'm not here on my own. The one who sent me is true, and you don't know him.

But I know him because I come from him, and he sent me to you."

Then the leaders tried to arrest him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come.

But Jesus told them, "I will be with you only a little longer. Then I will return to the one who sent me.

You will search for me but not find me. And you cannot go where I am going."

What does he mean when he says, ‘You will search for me but not find me,' and ‘You cannot go where I am going'?"

(When he said "living water," he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)

Others said, "He is the Messiah." Still others said, "But he can't be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee?

Some even wanted him arrested, but no one laid a hand on him.

This foolish crowd follows him, but they are ignorant of the law. God's curse is on them!"

but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them.

They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger.