Reading Plan · Day 306
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John 4-6
Day 306
Previously · Day 305 · John 1-3
The previous day's reading covered the events that occurred at the beginning of Jesus' public ministry up to Jesus' disciples baptizing people near John the Baptist and his disciples.
Day 306 Read
Where You Stopped
John 4
1When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2(although Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples),
1When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
2(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
Commentary · verses 1-2
3he left Judæa, and departed again into Galilee.
3He left Judea, and departed again into Galilee.
Commentary · verse 3
Jesus went back to Galilee when the Pharisees realized Jesus was becoming more popular than John the Baptist. In the other Gospel Accounts, Herod had John the Baptist imprisoned within days of Jesus leaving for Galilee. This was going to be the first time Jesus was in His hometown since He began His public ministry. Also, the five or six disciples that were following Him were from Galilee.
4And he must needs pass through Samaria.
4And he must needs go through Samaria.
Commentary · verse 4
Samaria was between Jerusalem and Galilee, so Jesus had to pass through Samaria.
5So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph: 6and Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
5Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
6Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
7There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
Commentary · verses 5-7
Jesus told the Samaritan woman to give Him a drink.
8For his disciples were gone away into the city to buy food.
9The Samaritan woman therefore saith unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, who am a Samaritan woman? (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
8(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
9Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
Commentary · verses 8-9
She wanted to know why Jesus was dealing with her since Jews did not associate with the Samaritans because they considered Samaritans to be the enemy and looked down on them. Also, Rabbis did not interact with women in public. Notice, John put his own comment here stating that the Jews did not interact with the Samaritans, something he often did to give context to a situation.
10Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
10Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
Commentary · verse 10
Jesus began the conversation with this woman on a physical level: water. Then Jesus transitioned to a spiritual topic by telling her that she could have asked Jesus for "living water." "Living water" is "the gift of God"...grace: the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.
11The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: whence then hast thou that living water?
12Art thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his cattle?
13Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life.
11The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
12Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
13Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Commentary · verses 11-14
The "living water" Jesus spoke of is grace/Holy Spirit. This water is in believers and it springs up into eternal life. Salvation is by grace through faith: Ephesians 2:8.
Doctrines on this passage
15The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come all the way hither to draw.
15The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
Commentary · verse 15
This woman essentially asked to be saved. Would Jesus respond by converting her?
16Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
17The woman answered and said unto him, I have no husband. Jesus saith unto her, Thou saidst well, I have no husband: 18for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: this hast thou said truly.
19The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
16Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
17The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
18For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
19The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
Commentary · verses 16-19
Jesus did not convert her. He responded by broaching a subject that could have humiliated the woman and driven her away! The woman perceived Jesus to be a prophet because He told her things He should not have known. Notice, this woman was in adultery. She was with a man who was not her husband.
20Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
20Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
Commentary · verse 20
The woman challenged Jesus with a theological question: our ancestors said we ought to worship God in this mountain, but today's religious leaders say we ought to worship God in Jerusalem. If you are a prophet, what is the correct answer?
21Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall ye worship the Father.
22Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews.
21Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
Commentary · verses 21-22
Jesus said the physical location of the worship was not important because it could be anywhere. The key to worshipping God was to know who God was and to worship Him in spirit, which means you could worship Him in this mountain, in Jerusalem, in a foreign country, etc.
23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers.
23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Commentary · verse 23
Doctrine: True worshippers worship God the Father in Spirit and in truth. They worship God with a right HOW/WHY. They know who God is and they focus on the spiritual.
24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Commentary · verse 24
Doctrine: God is a Spirit. God is intangible. God is principles (foundational truths). God is Holy: Right and Just.
Doctrines on this passage
25The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh (he that is called Christ): when he is come, he will declare unto us all things.
26Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
25The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
26Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
Commentary · verses 25-26
Jesus claimed to be the Messiah by only answering yes to her statement. He did not directly state "I am the Messiah." Notice, Jesus' answer meant nothing without her statement. All Jesus directly stated was: "I that speak unto thee am he."
27And upon this came his disciples; and they marvelled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why speakest thou with her?
27And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
Commentary · verse 27
The disciples marvelled that Jesus was speaking directly to a woman (Rabbis did not speak to women in public), who was also a Samaritan, and also in adultery.
28So the woman left her waterpot, and went away into the city, and saith to the people, 29Come, see a man, who told me all things that ever I did: can this be the Christ?
30They went out of the city, and were coming to him.
28The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
29Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
30Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
Commentary · verses 28-30
Notice, Jesus did not convert this woman and it resulted in her bringing more people to Jesus!
31In the mean while the disciples prayed him, saying, Rabbi, eat.
32But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not.
33The disciples therefore said one to another, Hath any man brought him aught to eat?
34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work.
31In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.
32But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
33Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?
34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
Commentary · verses 31-34
Doctrine: Doing God's Will was what gave Jesus energy. Jesus' "meat" was to do the Will of the Father and to finish the Father's work. Notice, Jesus spoke about spiritual water to the woman and she asked Jesus more questions. Jesus spoke about spiritual meat to His disciples and they did not ask Jesus any questions, they asked each other. The spiritual water was Salvation. The spiritual meat was the Will of God.
35Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white already unto harvest.
35Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
Commentary · verse 35
Remember, Jesus left Jerusalem after Passover, which is in the spring when planting was done. Jesus used another physical example to convey a spiritual truth. Jesus asked the disciples if they were familiar with the concept that there were four months between the current sowing and the future reaping. Then Jesus told the disciples to look up at the people coming from the town towards them to be "reaped." Jesus had sown the seed in the woman and rather than harvest her to conversion, He allowed time for her to produce more and with all the people following her back to Jesus, Jesus was making the disciples aware it was time to convert the people. Remember, this chapter began with Jesus' disciples performing water baptisms, cleansing new converts. Jesus had already trained His disciples how to convert people, so they ought to be able to handle this opportunity.
36He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
36And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
Commentary · verse 36
Doctrine: Both the one who sows and the one who reaps receive Reward for converting people. In fact, the sower ought to rejoice because of the reaper because it is only then that the sower receives a Reward.
37For herein is the saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38I sent you to reap that whereon ye have not labored: others have labored, and ye are entered into their labor.
37And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
Commentary · verses 37-38
Jesus pointed out the disciples would now reap from what Jesus had sown.
39And from that city many of the Samaritans believed on him because of the word of the woman, who testified, He told me all things that ever I did.
39And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
Commentary · verse 39
Many of the Samaritans believed on Jesus because of the woman's testimony, because of her words. Just like Jesus explained: the woman sowed and the disciples reaped.
40So when the Samaritans came unto him, they besought him to abide with them: and he abode there two days.
40So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
Commentary · verse 40
Jesus stayed with the Samaritans for two days. Notice, Jesus did not impose His will on these people, they asked Him to stay.
41And many more believed because of his word; 42and they said to the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy speaking: for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world.
41And many more believed because of his own word;
42And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Commentary · verses 41-42
After Jesus stayed, the Samaritans believed because of Jesus' own words.
43And after the two days he went forth from thence into Galilee.
44For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honor in his own country.
45So when he came into Galilee, the Galilæans received him, having seen all the things that he did in Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
43Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.
44For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
45Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
Commentary · verses 46-54
Verses 46-54: Jesus' healing of the nobleman's son.
46He came therefore again unto Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
47When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judæa into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son; for he was at the point of death.
48Jesus therefore said unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will in no wise believe.
49The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
50Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. The man believed the word that Jesus spake unto him, and he went his way.
46So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
47When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.
48Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
49The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
50Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
Commentary · verse 50
The nobleman acted in faith by leaving when Jesus told him to.
51And as he was now going down, his servants met him, saying, that his son lived.
52So he inquired of them the hour when he began to amend. They said therefore unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
53So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.
54This is again the second sign that Jesus did, having come out of Judæa into Galilee.
51And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.
52Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
53So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.
54This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judea into Galilee.
Commentary · verse 54
Jesus only said the word and the nobleman's son was healed. The father checked on when the son was healed and it was around the time Jesus spoke healing. This caused the father to believe in Jesus along with his whole house. John stated this was the second sign Jesus did in Galilee, with the first being turning water into wine. All of the accounts of healings and miracles from the other Gospel Accounts had to have occurred after this time.
Chronologically, the account from Luke 4 occurred at this point. Luke 4:23 stated Jesus was in the synagogue in Nazareth (His hometown) when He referenced that the people would ask Him to do the miracles like the one they heard was done in Capernaum. The miracle Jesus referenced was the one we just read that involved the nobleman's son. John's narrative jumped ahead almost a year, to the Passover that began Jesus' second year of public ministry. Also, in the other Gospel Accounts, Jesus called twelve of the disciples to be His Disciples, even though many people chose to continue to follow Jesus as disciples. From this point on, we will refer to the twelve as Disciples and all other followers as disciples.
Where You Stopped
John 5
1After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
1After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Commentary · verse 1
This was the Passover feast that marked the end of Jesus' first year of public ministry also known as His Year of Introduction. This second year of Jesus' public ministry was known as His Year of Popularity.
2Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches.
2Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
Commentary · verse 2
The Greek word "Bethesda" (from an Aramaic origin) meant "house of mercy" or "flowing water."
3In these lay a multitude of them that were sick, blind, halt, withered.
4
3In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
4For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
Commentary · verses 3-4
Verse 4 proved that there was an angel going to this "pool." This was something the people of this time were aware of and were convinced. Angels are not mythological.
5And a certain man was there, who had been thirty and eight years in his infirmity.
6When Jesus saw him lying, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wouldest thou be made whole?
7The sick man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8Jesus saith unto him, Arise, take up thy bed, and walk.
5And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
7The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
Commentary · verses 5-8
Jesus spoke a statement where the object of the healing was the subject of the statement.
9And straightway the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked. Now it was the sabbath on that day.
9And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
Commentary · verse 9
The man immediately was made whole, took his bed, and walked (on the Sabbath). He did not know who Jesus was and did not make a confession of Jesus to be the Messiah. He just did what Jesus said and he was healed. Doing what Jesus said was a statement of faith, however, notice this man had no Doctrine. Having no Doctrine meant he also did not have any bad Doctrine that would have hindered his faith and his healing.
10So the Jews said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for thee to take up thy bed.
10The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
Commentary · verse 10
The man was accused of working on the Sabbath. The Law did not say for a person to take up their bed and walk on the Sabbath.
11But he answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
11He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
Commentary · verse 11
The man "blamed" Jesus for taking up his bed and walking. The fact the man was healed was being ignored.
12They asked him, Who is the man that said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
13But he that was healed knew not who it was; for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in the place.
12Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
13And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
Commentary · verses 12-13
They wanted to know who said to "take your bed and walk," but he did not know who Jesus was.
14Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing befall thee.
15The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him whole.
14Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
15The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
Commentary · verses 14-15
Jesus found the man so that He could encourage him to stay on the right path. The man found out it was Jesus and told the Jews.
16And for this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did these things on the sabbath.
16And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
Commentary · verse 16
The Jews persecuted Jesus and sought to kill Him because they believed they were defending God's Law regarding the Sabbath.
Critical Event: Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath and it became a public issue with the religious leaders in Jerusalem that set the tone for Jesus' final two years of public ministry.
17But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh even until now, and I work.
17But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Commentary · verse 17
Jesus stated that God was His Father and they both work all the time. Remember, people were allowed to do whatever they wanted for six days as long as it did not violate the Law. On the Sabbath, people were only supposed to do what the Law told them to do. Jesus was doing what the Law said to do on the Sabbath: Good.
18For this cause therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only brake the sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
18Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
Commentary · verse 18
Jesus said God was His Father, making Him equal with God. Notice, Jesus Himself did not say He was "equal with God." This was implied by Jesus stating that God was His Father. Jesus did not testify of Himself as God with His words. This statement and the rest of this chapter caused the religious leaders in Jerusalem to actively look for ways to kill Jesus, which caused Jesus to take His public ministry away from Jerusalem.
19Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner.
19Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
Commentary · verse 19
Doctrine: Jesus did nothing of Himself. Jesus was fully man and fully God. If Jesus did things on earth out of His God Nature (Right and Just), then we could not be expected to do the same things. However, Jesus allowed God to completely direct His actions, which is what we are also able to do through grace: the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.
20For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and greater works than these will he show him, that ye may marvel.
21For as the Father raiseth the dead and giveth them life, even so the Son also giveth life to whom he will.
22For neither doth the Father judge any man, but he hath given all judgment unto the Son;
20For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
21For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
22For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
Commentary · verses 20-22
Doctrine: Jesus will be judge, but not yet (Romans 14:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:10). Jesus is also the source of this eternal life.
23that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father that sent him.
24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life.
25Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live.
26For as the Father hath life in himself, even so gave he to the Son also to have life in himself: 27and he gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man.
23That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
25Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
Commentary · verses 23-27
Doctrine: Jesus was fully God and fully man. While on earth, Jesus was always completely Right and always completely Just (His Nature) while having the ability to act apart from this Nature (free will). Jesus is no longer fully man but was and is Right and Just.
28Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, 29and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.
30I can of myself do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is righteous; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
28Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
30I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
Commentary · verses 28-30
Jesus' judgment was Just because Jesus sought the Will of the Father who, as is Jesus, is always completely Just. Again, Jesus reiterated that God the Father was directing His actions, not His own God Nature.
31If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
31If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
Commentary · verse 31
We know that if Jesus bore witness of Himself that He would state a fact: a right WHAT. We have seen with John the Baptist that prophets could not facilitate their own purpose and progress, that would be a wrong HOW/WHY. If Jesus bore witness of Himself it would not be true! How would that be possible? Truth must be something more than stating a fact/right WHAT. If truth was only reality/fact, then Jesus would have been saying that He wouldn't have stated a reality/fact if He bore witness of Himself. We know that Jesus wouldn't have stated a wrong fact about Himself, so truth must be something more than reality/fact.
If Jesus bore witness of Himself it would be a wrong HOW/WHY, which would be why it would not be truth. Jesus would have been stating a right WHAT with a wrong HOW/WHY which would have made it not true! Truth is a right WHAT with a right HOW/WHY. Deception is a right WHAT with a wrong or no HOW/WHY. Jesus would have been a deceiver if He bore witness of Himself.
Doctrines on this passage
32It is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
33Ye have sent unto John, and he hath borne witness unto the truth.
32There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
33Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
Commentary · verses 32-33
Doctrine: Jesus stated that John the Baptist bore witness of Jesus.
34But the witness which I receive is not from man: howbeit I say these things, that ye may be saved.
35He was the lamp that burneth and shineth; and ye were willing to rejoice for a season in his light.
36But the witness which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father hath given me to accomplish, the very works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
34But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
35He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
36But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
Commentary · verses 34-36
Doctrine: God bore witness of Jesus. Jesus' actions proved that He was the Son of God. The works Jesus did could only have come from God, which meant God bore witness of Him and that the Father sent Him.
37And the Father that sent me, he hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form.
37And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
Commentary · verse 37
Doctrine: The Father and John the Baptist were the two who bore witness of Jesus.
38And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he sent, him ye believe not.
38And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
Commentary · verse 38
We will have the Father's Word live in us if we believe in Jesus.
39Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me; 40and ye will not come to me, that ye may have life.
39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
Commentary · verses 39-40
Doctrine: We need to know God's Word and have fellowship with Jesus, truth and Spirit. The "scriptures" Jesus was referring to was the Old Testament. The words in the Old Testament bear witness of Jesus, whom we ought to receive so we will have eternal life.
41I receive not glory from men.
42But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in yourselves.
43I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44How can ye believe, who receive glory one of another, and the glory that cometh from the only God ye seek not?
41I receive not honour from men.
42But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
Commentary · verses 41-44
Jesus wondered why people followed those who were prideful and glorified themselves instead of following those who were humble and were glorified by God.
45Think not that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, on whom ye have set your hope.
45Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
Commentary · verse 45
Doctrine: Jesus did not come to accuse. Moses accused the unbelieving Jews because Moses wrote of Jesus.
46For if ye believed Moses, ye would believe me; for he wrote of me.
47But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
46For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
47But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
Commentary · verses 46-47
Doctrine: If you do not believe God's written Word, you will not believe Jesus' spoken word.
Where You Stopped
John 6
Commentary · verses 1-13
Verses 1-13: the feeding of the 5000.
1After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
2And a great multitude followed him, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that were sick.
3And Jesus went up into the mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
4Now the passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.
1After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
2And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
3And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
4And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
Commentary · verse 4
It had been two years since the beginning of Jesus' public Ministry. John's narrative jumped from Passover to Passover to Passover. Jesus was now staying away from Jerusalem because the religious leaders sought to kill Him for healing a man on the Sabbath. During this time away, His popularity grew. This third year would be known as Jesus' Year of Opposition. Notice, John covered Jesus' background and first two years of public ministry in five chapters. The rest of this Gospel Account focused on Jesus' third year of public ministry.
5Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude cometh unto him, saith unto Philip, Whence are we to buy bread, that these may eat?
6And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
5When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
6And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
Commentary · verse 6
Jesus created His own context. Jesus intentionally asked a question in order to set up a teaching.
7Philip answered him, Two hundred shillings’ worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little.
8One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, 9There is a lad here, who hath five barley loaves, and two fishes: but what are these among so many?
10Jesus said, Make the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
11Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, he distributed to them that were set down; likewise also of the fishes as much as they would.
12And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost.
13So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which remained over unto them that had eaten.
7Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
8One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,
9There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
10And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
11And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
12When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
13Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
Commentary · verse 13
Jesus did this miracle through giving.
14When therefore the people saw the sign which he did, they said, This is of a truth the prophet that cometh into the world.
15Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone.
14Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
15When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
Commentary · verses 14-15
This miracle caused a multitude to proclaim Jesus as Messiah. The people were determined to make Jesus a king so Jesus departed into a mountain by Himself. We will see that Jesus used the Sea of Galilee to prevent the formation of a "multi-city" multitude. Whenever too many people began following Jesus, He went across the Sea of Galilee so the multitude couldn't follow Him or He increased the tension so the multitude stopped following Him.
16And when evening came, his disciples went down unto the sea; 17and they entered into a boat, and were going over the sea unto Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.
18And the sea was rising by reason of a great wind that blew.
19When therefore they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they behold Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the boat: and they were afraid.
16And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
17And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
18And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
19So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
Commentary · verses 16-19
Jesus walked on the sea in response to a need: rejoining His Disciples who had already left in boats. The Disciples were going from the northeast corner of the Sea of Galilee to the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee. Halfway between these towns was Capernaum. Jesus met them halfway to their destination.
20But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
21They were willing therefore to receive him into the boat: and straightway the boat was at the land whither they were going.
22On the morrow the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, save one, and that Jesus entered not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples went away alone 23(howbeit there came boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks): 24when the multitude therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they themselves got into the boats, and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
20But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
21Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
22The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
23(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
24When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
Commentary · verses 20-24
The people noticed Jesus and His Disciples were not there, they got in their boats and sought Jesus in the next town over, which they also walked to.
25And when they found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
26Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled.
27Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, hath sealed.
25And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
26Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
27Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Commentary · verses 25-27
Apparently, Jesus went to the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee and then worked His way back east to Capernaum. Jesus now had a "multi-city" multitude: people from the northeast corner of the Sea of Galilee and people from the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus began the process of dispersing this "multi-city" multitude by teaching relative to the miraculous feeding the 5000 had experienced. We ought to work for the meat that gives eternal life (John 4:32-34). This was the teaching Jesus wanted to help people understand: You are focused on the physical (eating bread) instead of the spiritual (signs). You need to focus on spiritual (eternal) life instead of physical life which will eventually end.
28They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God?
29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
28Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Commentary · verses 28-29
Doctrine: The work of God is to believe in Jesus whom the Father sent. The result (works) of believing in Jesus will be Righteousness from God.
30They said therefore unto him, What then doest thou for a sign, that we may see, and believe thee? what workest thou?
31Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.
32Jesus therefore said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, It was not Moses that gave you the bread out of heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread out of heaven.
33For the bread of God is that which cometh down out of heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
30They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
31Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
32Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
33For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
Commentary · verses 30-33
The people asked for a sign so they would believe. Jesus taught the multitude that even when God provided physical bread out of heaven, people credited it to Moses instead of God. Jesus transitioned to Him being the physical Bread from God that gives spiritual life to the world.
34They said therefore unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
35Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall not hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
34Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Commentary · verses 34-35
Doctrine: Jesus is the spiritual bread of spiritual life. Jesus was also pointing to the Passover. During the Passover meal, the desert bread (Afikomen) represented Jesus.
36But I said unto you, that ye have seen me, and yet believe not.
37All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
38For I am come down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
36But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Commentary · verses 36-38
Doctrine: Jesus will not reject anyone that comes to Him. Jesus came to do the Will of the Father.
39And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.
40For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
41The Jews therefore murmured concerning him, because he said, I am the bread which came down out of heaven.
39And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
41The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
Commentary · verses 39-41
The Jews ignored the talk about God's Will and murmured at Jesus' statements about being the bread from heaven.
42And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how doth he now say, I am come down out of heaven?
43Jesus answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
44No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day.
42And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
43Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
44No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Commentary · verses 42-44
Doctrine: No man can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him. The Father draws everyone.
45It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me.
45It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Commentary · verse 45
Jesus referenced Isaiah 54:13.
46Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he that is from God, he hath seen the Father.
47Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth hath eternal life.
48I am the bread of life.
49Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.
50This is the bread which cometh down out of heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
51I am the living bread which came down out of heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: yea and the bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world.
46Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
47Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
48I am that bread of life.
49Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
50This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
51I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Commentary · verses 46-51
Jesus reiterated His teaching: Jesus was the bread which God gave so that people would have eternal life. The bread which Jesus gave was His flesh which Jesus gave "for the life of the world."
Doctrines on this passage
52The Jews therefore strove one with another, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
53Jesus therefore said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have not life in yourselves.
52The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
53Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Commentary · verses 52-53
The Jews continued to think physically instead of spiritually. Jesus made a statement that must have made people cringe, if they were focused on the physical, drink His blood and eat His flesh?!?!
Doctrines on this passage
54He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
54Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Commentary · verse 54
Jesus was obviously speaking about the spiritual aspects. His body would be crucified for us and His blood would bring redemption. The Passover meal pointed to both of these facts with the Afikomen and the third cup of wine, which was drunk after the meal with the Afikomen and represented Redemption. This portion of the Passover became our communion.
55For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
56He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me, and I in him.
57As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so he that eateth me, he also shall live because of me.
58This is the bread which came down out of heaven: not as the fathers ate, and died; he that eateth this bread shall live for ever.
55For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
56He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
57As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
58This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
Commentary · verses 55-58
This final verse blatantly showed Jesus was not talking about physical bread.
59These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
60Many therefore of his disciples, when they heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it?
59These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
60Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
Commentary · verses 59-60
Verse 59 showed that Jesus was in Capernaum: the town between the northeast and northwest corners of the Sea of Galilee. Many of Jesus' disciples called Jesus' words "hard sayings." They wondered who could understand these words.
61But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said unto them, Doth this cause you to stumble?
61When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
Commentary · verse 61
Jesus asked if they were offended, if His words caused them to stumble.
62What then if ye should behold the Son of man ascending where he was before?
63It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life.
62What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Commentary · verses 62-63
Doctrine: Words are spiritual. The words that Jesus spoke were spirit and life. Jesus said the physical flesh profited nothing from this discussion. The physical should not have been considered at all. The disciples must have been thinking about the physical.
Doctrines on this passage
64But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who it was that should betray him.
64But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
Commentary · verse 64
Doctrine: Jesus knew who would not believe and who would betray Him. Notice, this did not say Jesus knew who would believe Him, that is up to the individual's free-will. However, Jesus knew each person's thought process. He could tell who was unable to overcome their faulty thought process and not be able to believe Jesus. Those who would not believe had a faulty thought process in the short term. They would never be able to believe in Jesus.
For example, the Pharisees were the religious leaders of this time and they were unable to believe in Jesus. In fact, the Pharisees became worse each time Jesus reached out to them to help them believe. Notice also, there is a big difference between those who are unable to believe and those who would betray. These are two separate groups of people because in order to betray you must first be able to believe. The people who could betray had to have a bad thought process that would be exposed in the long term. In the short term, the thought process would first result in belief, but as it got more information it would actually change toward resenting the object of belief resulting in betrayal. There were more people than just Judas who could have betrayed Jesus. Judas, in and of himself, was not predestined to betray Jesus. It was prophesied that someone would betray Jesus, because there would be plenty of people with a flawed enough thought process to do that, to first believe and then to resent enough to betray. Jesus selected Judas from all of the people who could have betrayed Him.
65And he said, For this cause have I said unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it be given unto him of the Father.
65And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
Commentary · verse 65
Doctrine: It was not Jesus' fault if people did not follow Him. God called (and still calls) everyone and those with a flawed thought process would be unable to believe. None of this was Jesus' fault. Notice, this verse tends to be interpreted that everyone God calls will come to God. If that was the case, Jesus would have known who would believe and would not have to preach to everyone. However, in light of the previous verse, Jesus could also have been talking about those who would not believe in Him and those who would betray Him. Those could only come unto Jesus if the opportunity was given to those people by God.
66Upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
66From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Commentary · verse 66
Many of Jesus' disciples stopped following Him during Jesus' last year of public ministry. Jesus' words were causing division among the people who were not growth oriented. Here are some questions to think about:
- Did Jesus know that feeding these people would cause them to pursue Him?
- Did Jesus know that stating these "hard sayings" would cause people to turn away?
- Did Jesus make a mistake?
- Did Jesus encourage people to follow Him so that He could discourage them?
Remember, all of this ended up dispersing the "multi-city" multitude.
67Jesus said therefore unto the twelve, Would ye also go away?
67Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
Commentary · verse 67
Jesus asked the twelve if they would also leave. Notice, Jesus had called the twelve Disciples by this time.
68Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
69And we have believed and know that thou art the Holy One of God.
68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
69And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Commentary · verses 68-69
Doctrine: The Disciples believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
70Jesus answered them, Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil?
70Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
Commentary · verse 70
Doctrine: Jesus chose (selected) these twelve as an effect of their belief in Him. None of the twelve was chosen against their will. None of the twelve were predestined to be a Disciple.
71Now he spake of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
71He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
Commentary · verse 71
Doctrine: Jesus was interested in quality, not quantity. Jesus intentionally drew a multitude towards Himself so that He could find out who was excellent: who would pursue the spiritual over the physical. Jesus was not interested in having 5000 physically-minded followers. He wanted twelve spiritually-minded followers, but He knew one of them would end up rejecting Him as he got more information. Jesus' final year of public ministry would be characterized by opposition. Jesus had initiated the confrontation that would characterize His public ministry during its final year.
This day's reading covered Jesus' return to Galilee after the first Passover of His public ministry. Then, the narrative quickly covered the next two Passovers of His public ministry in order to focus on Jesus' final year of public ministry.
Jesus did not baptize people, His disciples did. Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit, not water.