Study Desk

But the leading priests and the Pharisees had given a special order about Jesus. They said that anyone who knew where he was must tell them so that they could arrest him.

Many of the Jews heard that Jesus was in Bethany, so they went there to see him. They also went there to see Lazarus, the one Jesus raised from death.

So the leading priests made plans to kill Lazarus too.

That's why so many people went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign he did.

So the Pharisees said to each other, "Look! Our plan is not working. The people are all following him!"

"Now I am very troubled. What should I say? Should I say, ‘Father save me from this time of suffering'? No, I came to this time so that I could suffer.

The people said, "But our law says that the Messiah will live forever. So why do you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this ‘Son of Man'?"

Then Jesus said, "The light will be with you for only a short time more. So walk while you have the light. Then the darkness will not catch you. People who walk in the darkness don't know where they are going.

So put your trust in the light while you still have it. Then you will be children of light." When Jesus finished saying these things, he went away to a place where the people could not find him.

"God made the people blind. He closed their minds. He did this so that they would not see with their eyes and understand with their minds. He did it so that they would not turn and be healed."

Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' divine greatness. So he spoke about him.

But many people believed in Jesus. Even many of the Jewish leaders believed in him, but they were afraid of the Pharisees, so they did not say openly that they believed. They were afraid they would be ordered to stay out of the synagogue.

I came into this world as a light. I came so that everyone who believes in me will not stay in darkness.

"I did not come into the world to judge people. I came to save the people in the world. So I am not the one who judges those who hear my teaching and do not obey.

And I know that whatever he says to do will bring eternal life. So the things I say are exactly what the Father told me to say."

So while they were eating, Jesus stood up and took off his robe. He got a towel and wrapped it around his waist.

I am your Lord and Teacher. But I washed your feet. So you also should wash each other's feet.

I did this as an example for you. So you should serve each other just as I served you.

Jesus answered him, "I will dip this bread into the dish. The man I give it to is the one." So Jesus took a piece of bread, dipped it, and gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back. Then I will take you with me, so that you can be where I am.