So, do not be surprised that I have said to you, 'You must be born from above." [See note on verse 3].

And no one has gone up to heaven except the One who has come down from heaven, [even] the Son of man. {{Most translations do not contain the added words "who is in heaven"}}.

And [just] like Moses lifted up the snake [on the pole] in the wilderness [Num. 21:9], so the Son of man must be lifted up [on the cross]

He [i.e., Jesus] must increase [in importance and influence], while I must decrease."

God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

Then the people said to Jesus, "What must we do in order to perform the deeds that God requires?"

They answered him, "Are you from Galilee, too? Search [the Scriptures], and you will see that no prophet will come from Galilee." [Note: They were probably referring to "the prophet" predicted to come by Moses. Deut. 18:15]. {{Most ancient manuscripts do not contain the section from 7:53 through 8:11, or else place it elsewhere in the book.

While it is still daytime we must perform the acts of God, who sent me. Nighttime is coming, when no one can act.

I have other sheep [also] which are not [presently] in this corral; I must lead them, too. They will hear my voice and become one flock [i.e., with the others], having one shepherd. [Note: This probably refers to believing Gentiles becoming God's people, along with the Jews].

Then the crowd replied to Him, "We have heard from [the writings of] the law of Moses that the Christ will live forever; so how can you say, 'The son of man must be lifted up [i.e., to die]?' Who is this son of man?"

But these disciples still did not understand the Scripture that [predicted] Jesus must rise again from the dead.