Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Abraham » How regarded by his descendants
and quit thinking to yourselves, we claim Abraham as our forefather, because I tell you, God is able to make Abraham's children out of these stones.
So, should not this woman, being a daughter [i.e., descendant] of Abraham, whom Satan has bound [with this disease] for eighteen years, have been released from this bondage on the Sabbath day?"
[Then] there will be crying and excruciating pain, when you will see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and [you will see] yourselves thrown outside.
Then Jesus said to him, "Salvation has come to this house today, since he too [i.e., Zacchaeus] is a descendant of Abraham.
They replied to Him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be set free'?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. Now the slave does not remain part of the family forever, [but] the son does. read more.
Therefore, if the Son sets you free [from sin], you will be truly free. I know that you people are [all] descendants of Abraham; yet you are trying to kill me because you will not allow my message to affect you. I am telling [you] about what I have seen in my Father's presence; but you [should] do what you have heard from your father." They answered Him, "Our forefather was Abraham." Jesus replied to them, "If you were Abraham's descendants, you would do the [kinds of] deeds that Abraham did. But instead, you are trying to kill me, a man who has [only] told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this [kind of thing].
Therefore, if the Son sets you free [from sin], you will be truly free. I know that you people are [all] descendants of Abraham; yet you are trying to kill me because you will not allow my message to affect you. I am telling [you] about what I have seen in my Father's presence; but you [should] do what you have heard from your father." They answered Him, "Our forefather was Abraham." Jesus replied to them, "If you were Abraham's descendants, you would do the [kinds of] deeds that Abraham did. But instead, you are trying to kill me, a man who has [only] told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this [kind of thing].
Jesus Christ » The words that jesus Christ spoke
It is the Holy Spirit who [Note: The Greek word here is "that" instead of "who"] gives life [i.e., understanding the spiritual nature of Jesus' teaching can produce spiritual life]; the flesh is of no value [i.e., understanding Jesus' teaching only in a physical sense makes it worthless]. The words I have spoken to you are [from the] Holy Spirit and [they give] life. But there are some of you who do not believe [in me]." For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones would not believe [in Him] and which one would turn Him over [i.e., to the Jewish authorities].
[Jesus continued], "I am the real vine, and my Father is the owner of the vineyard. He will cut off [See verse 6] every branch [i.e., follower of Christ] who is in [fellowship with] me that does not bear fruit. And He will prune every branch that does bear fruit, so it will bear more fruit. You people are already 'clean' [i.e., have been pruned of undesirable traits] because of [obedience to] the teaching I have given you.
I know that you people are [all] descendants of Abraham; yet you are trying to kill me because you will not allow my message to affect you. I am telling [you] about what I have seen in my Father's presence; but you [should] do what you have heard from your father." They answered Him, "Our forefather was Abraham." Jesus replied to them, "If you were Abraham's descendants, you would do the [kinds of] deeds that Abraham did. read more.
But instead, you are trying to kill me, a man who has [only] told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this [kind of thing]. You people are doing what your father does." They said to Him, "We were not born illegitimately; the only Father we have is God." Jesus replied, "If God were [truly] your Father you would love me, because I came from God to be here. For I did not come on my own authority, but God sent me. Why do you people not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot [bear to] listen to my message. You belong to your father the devil, and you are [always] wanting to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the [very] beginning [Note: This is probably a reference to Satan's influence on Adam, Eve and Cain in the Garden of Eden] and does not stand for the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he only speaks what is part of his nature, because he is a liar and the father of [all] liars. But because I tell [you] the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you can prove me guilty of sinning? If I tell you the truth, why do you not believe me? The person who belongs to God listens to the message from God. The reason you will not listen to it is because you do not belong to God."
But instead, you are trying to kill me, a man who has [only] told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this [kind of thing]. You people are doing what your father does." They said to Him, "We were not born illegitimately; the only Father we have is God." Jesus replied, "If God were [truly] your Father you would love me, because I came from God to be here. For I did not come on my own authority, but God sent me. Why do you people not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot [bear to] listen to my message. You belong to your father the devil, and you are [always] wanting to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the [very] beginning [Note: This is probably a reference to Satan's influence on Adam, Eve and Cain in the Garden of Eden] and does not stand for the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he only speaks what is part of his nature, because he is a liar and the father of [all] liars. But because I tell [you] the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you can prove me guilty of sinning? If I tell you the truth, why do you not believe me? The person who belongs to God listens to the message from God. The reason you will not listen to it is because you do not belong to God."
Then Jesus spoke out in a loud voice, "The person who believes in me, does not [only] believe in me, but [also] in Him who sent me [i.e., God]. And the person who sees me, sees Him who sent me [also]. I have come into the world to be a light [to it], so that whoever believes in me would not have to remain in [spiritual] darkness. read more.
And if any person hears my message and does not obey it, I will not judge him [now], for I did not come into the world to judge it, but to save it. The person who rejects me and does not accept my message has One who [will] judge him. The message that I have spoken will judge him on the last day [i.e., the judgment day].
And if any person hears my message and does not obey it, I will not judge him [now], for I did not come into the world to judge it, but to save it. The person who rejects me and does not accept my message has One who [will] judge him. The message that I have spoken will judge him on the last day [i.e., the judgment day].
Jesus answered him, "I am the way [to God], and the truth [to believe], and the life [to live]. No one can go to the Father, except through [believing in] me. If you have come to know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know Him, and have seen Him." Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father and it [will] be enough for us." read more.
Jesus replied to him, "Have I been with you men all this time, and [still] you do not know me, Philip? The person who has seen me, has [also] seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in [fellowship with] the Father, and the Father is in [fellowship with] me? The words which I say to you do not originate with me, but it is the Father, who lives in me, who does His work [in me]. You should believe me [when I say] that I am in [fellowship with] the Father, and the Father is in [fellowship with] me. Or else believe me for the sake of the deeds themselves that I perform.
Jesus replied to him, "Have I been with you men all this time, and [still] you do not know me, Philip? The person who has seen me, has [also] seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in [fellowship with] the Father, and the Father is in [fellowship with] me? The words which I say to you do not originate with me, but it is the Father, who lives in me, who does His work [in me]. You should believe me [when I say] that I am in [fellowship with] the Father, and the Father is in [fellowship with] me. Or else believe me for the sake of the deeds themselves that I perform.
Self-righteousness » Instances of » Pharisees
"No one lights an [olive oil] lamp and [then] places it in a hidden place or under a bushel-sized container, but on its stand, so that those who enter [the room] can see [by] the light. Your eye is [like] a lamp to your body [i.e., your life]. When your eye sees things correctly, [then] your whole body [i.e., your entire life] is illuminated [i.e., directed into proper conduct]. But when it sees things wrongly, [then] your body [i.e., your life] is also full of darkness [i.e., is not being lived properly]. Look therefore [to see] whether or not the light that is in you [i.e., your perspective on things] might [actually] be darkness [i.e., a distorted perspective]. read more.
If therefore your whole body [i.e., your entire life] is full of light [i.e., sees and responds to things correctly], with no blind spots [i.e., areas where you do not see and act correctly], your body [i.e., your life] will be fully illuminated [i.e., directed into proper conduct] just like a bright, shining lamp illuminating you [i.e., enabling you to see and respond to things properly]." Now while Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee [i.e., a strict sect of the Jewish religion] invited Him to have a meal with him. So, Jesus went in [to his house] and reclined [at the dinner table]. [Note: See Matt. 23:6]. years later in the war with the Romans, when Jerusalem was destroyed]. And when the Pharisee observed this, he was surprised that Jesus had not first washed himself ceremonially before the meal. And the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees [meticulously] clean the outside of the cup and the dish [i.e., this was an allusion to their lives], but you are filled with greed for wealth and [other] evils on the inside. You foolish people! Did not the One [i.e., God] who made the outside [i.e., your body] also make the inside [i.e., your spirit]? But you should give to poor people what you have inside. [Note: This means either what is inside the dish, or what is inside your heart]. And [then] you will see that everything is [ceremonially] clean to you [as well]. "But it is too bad for you Pharisees! For you give a tenth of your mint, rue and every [other] herb [Note: These were small garden plants used for seasoning or medicine] and [yet] neglect [demonstrating] justice and the love of God [toward others]. But you should have done these things and not neglected to do the other things [as well]. "It is too bad for you Pharisees! For you love [to occupy] the principal seats in the synagogues and [to receive special] greetings in the open shopping markets. "It is too bad for you! For you people are like obscure grave sites that people walk over without knowing it." Then one of the teachers of the law of Moses answered Jesus, saying, "Teacher, you insulted us too by saying this." And He replied them, "It is too bad for you teachers of the law of Moses also! For you heap heavy responsibilities on people, which are difficult to bear, while you do not even lift a finger to bear them yourselves. "It is too bad for you! For your forefathers killed the prophets and you build grave monuments to them [i.e., the prophets]. So, [by doing this] you are witnesses [against yourselves] that you approve of the deeds of your forefathers, for they killed the prophets and you build grave monuments to them. Therefore, the wisdom of God said, [Note: Is this a reference to Jesus? See I Cor. 1:30 and Matt. 23:34-36], 'I will send prophets and apostles to them [i.e., the Jewish people] and they will kill and persecute some of them, so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the beginning of the world, may be required of this generation of people.' Yes, I tell you, this generation will be punished [for the death of the prophets], from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who died between the Altar and the sanctuary [i.e., in the Temple area]. [Note: This punishment began about "It is too bad for you teachers of the law of Moses! For you took away the key of knowledge [i.e., preventing people from understanding God's plan]. You did not enter [the kingdom of heaven. See Matt. 23:13] yourselves and [you even] prevented those who [wanted] to enter [to get in]." And when Jesus left there [i.e., probably the Pharisee's house. See verse 37], the experts in the law of Moses and the Pharisees began opposing Him with hostility and bombarding Him with many questions, [and] plotting to trap Him by something He might say.
If therefore your whole body [i.e., your entire life] is full of light [i.e., sees and responds to things correctly], with no blind spots [i.e., areas where you do not see and act correctly], your body [i.e., your life] will be fully illuminated [i.e., directed into proper conduct] just like a bright, shining lamp illuminating you [i.e., enabling you to see and respond to things properly]." Now while Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee [i.e., a strict sect of the Jewish religion] invited Him to have a meal with him. So, Jesus went in [to his house] and reclined [at the dinner table]. [Note: See Matt. 23:6]. years later in the war with the Romans, when Jerusalem was destroyed]. And when the Pharisee observed this, he was surprised that Jesus had not first washed himself ceremonially before the meal. And the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees [meticulously] clean the outside of the cup and the dish [i.e., this was an allusion to their lives], but you are filled with greed for wealth and [other] evils on the inside. You foolish people! Did not the One [i.e., God] who made the outside [i.e., your body] also make the inside [i.e., your spirit]? But you should give to poor people what you have inside. [Note: This means either what is inside the dish, or what is inside your heart]. And [then] you will see that everything is [ceremonially] clean to you [as well]. "But it is too bad for you Pharisees! For you give a tenth of your mint, rue and every [other] herb [Note: These were small garden plants used for seasoning or medicine] and [yet] neglect [demonstrating] justice and the love of God [toward others]. But you should have done these things and not neglected to do the other things [as well]. "It is too bad for you Pharisees! For you love [to occupy] the principal seats in the synagogues and [to receive special] greetings in the open shopping markets. "It is too bad for you! For you people are like obscure grave sites that people walk over without knowing it." Then one of the teachers of the law of Moses answered Jesus, saying, "Teacher, you insulted us too by saying this." And He replied them, "It is too bad for you teachers of the law of Moses also! For you heap heavy responsibilities on people, which are difficult to bear, while you do not even lift a finger to bear them yourselves. "It is too bad for you! For your forefathers killed the prophets and you build grave monuments to them [i.e., the prophets]. So, [by doing this] you are witnesses [against yourselves] that you approve of the deeds of your forefathers, for they killed the prophets and you build grave monuments to them. Therefore, the wisdom of God said, [Note: Is this a reference to Jesus? See I Cor. 1:30 and Matt. 23:34-36], 'I will send prophets and apostles to them [i.e., the Jewish people] and they will kill and persecute some of them, so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the beginning of the world, may be required of this generation of people.' Yes, I tell you, this generation will be punished [for the death of the prophets], from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who died between the Altar and the sanctuary [i.e., in the Temple area]. [Note: This punishment began about "It is too bad for you teachers of the law of Moses! For you took away the key of knowledge [i.e., preventing people from understanding God's plan]. You did not enter [the kingdom of heaven. See Matt. 23:13] yourselves and [you even] prevented those who [wanted] to enter [to get in]." And when Jesus left there [i.e., probably the Pharisee's house. See verse 37], the experts in the law of Moses and the Pharisees began opposing Him with hostility and bombarding Him with many questions, [and] plotting to trap Him by something He might say.
They replied to Him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be set free'?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. Now the slave does not remain part of the family forever, [but] the son does. read more.
Therefore, if the Son sets you free [from sin], you will be truly free. I know that you people are [all] descendants of Abraham; yet you are trying to kill me because you will not allow my message to affect you. I am telling [you] about what I have seen in my Father's presence; but you [should] do what you have heard from your father." They answered Him, "Our forefather was Abraham." Jesus replied to them, "If you were Abraham's descendants, you would do the [kinds of] deeds that Abraham did. But instead, you are trying to kill me, a man who has [only] told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this [kind of thing]. You people are doing what your father does." They said to Him, "We were not born illegitimately; the only Father we have is God." Jesus replied, "If God were [truly] your Father you would love me, because I came from God to be here. For I did not come on my own authority, but God sent me. Why do you people not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot [bear to] listen to my message. You belong to your father the devil, and you are [always] wanting to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the [very] beginning [Note: This is probably a reference to Satan's influence on Adam, Eve and Cain in the Garden of Eden] and does not stand for the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he only speaks what is part of his nature, because he is a liar and the father of [all] liars. But because I tell [you] the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you can prove me guilty of sinning? If I tell you the truth, why do you not believe me? The person who belongs to God listens to the message from God. The reason you will not listen to it is because you do not belong to God." The Jews answered and said to Jesus, "Were we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan [See note on 4:9], and are dominated by an evil spirit?" Jesus answered, "I am not dominated by an evil spirit. But I give honor to my Father and you people dishonor me. I am not looking for personal honor; but there is One who is looking for it [i.e., God], and He judges people [fairly]. Truly, truly, I tell you, if a person obeys my message, he will never die [i.e., spiritually]." The Jews [i.e., the authorities] replied, "Now we know that you are dominated by an evil spirit. Abraham and the prophets [all] died and [yet] you are saying, 'If a person obeys my message, he will never experience death.' Are you greater [i.e., more important] than our forefather Abraham and the prophets, who [all] died? Who do you think you are?" Jesus answered them, "If I were to honor myself, that honor would be worthless. [But] it is my Father who honors me [and] you say He is your God. Now you people have not known Him [i.e., to be your Lord], but I know Him. And if I should say, 'I do not know Him,' I would be a liar like you. But I [do] know Him, and I obey His message. Your forefather Abraham was glad that he could look forward to my day [i.e., by faith he anticipated the coming of the Messiah. See Heb. 11:13ff]. And he saw it [by faith] and was glad." So, the Jews said to Him, "You are not even fifty years old [yet] and have you seen Abraham?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am." [Note: The words "I am" were probably construed as a reference to being Deity. See Ex. 3:14]. So, they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself [or "was hidden," suggesting a miraculous departure] and left the Temple [area].
Therefore, if the Son sets you free [from sin], you will be truly free. I know that you people are [all] descendants of Abraham; yet you are trying to kill me because you will not allow my message to affect you. I am telling [you] about what I have seen in my Father's presence; but you [should] do what you have heard from your father." They answered Him, "Our forefather was Abraham." Jesus replied to them, "If you were Abraham's descendants, you would do the [kinds of] deeds that Abraham did. But instead, you are trying to kill me, a man who has [only] told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this [kind of thing]. You people are doing what your father does." They said to Him, "We were not born illegitimately; the only Father we have is God." Jesus replied, "If God were [truly] your Father you would love me, because I came from God to be here. For I did not come on my own authority, but God sent me. Why do you people not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot [bear to] listen to my message. You belong to your father the devil, and you are [always] wanting to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the [very] beginning [Note: This is probably a reference to Satan's influence on Adam, Eve and Cain in the Garden of Eden] and does not stand for the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he only speaks what is part of his nature, because he is a liar and the father of [all] liars. But because I tell [you] the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you can prove me guilty of sinning? If I tell you the truth, why do you not believe me? The person who belongs to God listens to the message from God. The reason you will not listen to it is because you do not belong to God." The Jews answered and said to Jesus, "Were we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan [See note on 4:9], and are dominated by an evil spirit?" Jesus answered, "I am not dominated by an evil spirit. But I give honor to my Father and you people dishonor me. I am not looking for personal honor; but there is One who is looking for it [i.e., God], and He judges people [fairly]. Truly, truly, I tell you, if a person obeys my message, he will never die [i.e., spiritually]." The Jews [i.e., the authorities] replied, "Now we know that you are dominated by an evil spirit. Abraham and the prophets [all] died and [yet] you are saying, 'If a person obeys my message, he will never experience death.' Are you greater [i.e., more important] than our forefather Abraham and the prophets, who [all] died? Who do you think you are?" Jesus answered them, "If I were to honor myself, that honor would be worthless. [But] it is my Father who honors me [and] you say He is your God. Now you people have not known Him [i.e., to be your Lord], but I know Him. And if I should say, 'I do not know Him,' I would be a liar like you. But I [do] know Him, and I obey His message. Your forefather Abraham was glad that he could look forward to my day [i.e., by faith he anticipated the coming of the Messiah. See Heb. 11:13ff]. And he saw it [by faith] and was glad." So, the Jews said to Him, "You are not even fifty years old [yet] and have you seen Abraham?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am." [Note: The words "I am" were probably construed as a reference to being Deity. See Ex. 3:14]. So, they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself [or "was hidden," suggesting a miraculous departure] and left the Temple [area].
Then they began ridiculing him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this man, we do not [even] know where he came from." The man replied, "Is not that strange! You do not know where he came from and yet he restored my sight! [Note: The next sentence may be the beggar stating the Pharisees' argument. See verse 24]. read more.
We know that God does not listen to sinners [i.e., when they pray]; but God does listen to the person who reveres Him and does what He wants. It has never been heard of, since the world was created, that anyone has restored sight to a man born blind. Unless this man came from God, he would not be able to do anything [like this]." They replied to the beggar, "You were born entirely in sins [i.e., you have been a sinner all your life], and you are [trying] to teach us?" Then they threw him out [of the synagogue. See verse 22].
We know that God does not listen to sinners [i.e., when they pray]; but God does listen to the person who reveres Him and does what He wants. It has never been heard of, since the world was created, that anyone has restored sight to a man born blind. Unless this man came from God, he would not be able to do anything [like this]." They replied to the beggar, "You were born entirely in sins [i.e., you have been a sinner all your life], and you are [trying] to teach us?" Then they threw him out [of the synagogue. See verse 22].
Unbelief » Why some do not believe the lord
I know that you people are [all] descendants of Abraham; yet you are trying to kill me because you will not allow my message to affect you. I am telling [you] about what I have seen in my Father's presence; but you [should] do what you have heard from your father." They answered Him, "Our forefather was Abraham." Jesus replied to them, "If you were Abraham's descendants, you would do the [kinds of] deeds that Abraham did. read more.
But instead, you are trying to kill me, a man who has [only] told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this [kind of thing]. You people are doing what your father does." They said to Him, "We were not born illegitimately; the only Father we have is God." Jesus replied, "If God were [truly] your Father you would love me, because I came from God to be here. For I did not come on my own authority, but God sent me. Why do you people not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot [bear to] listen to my message. You belong to your father the devil, and you are [always] wanting to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the [very] beginning [Note: This is probably a reference to Satan's influence on Adam, Eve and Cain in the Garden of Eden] and does not stand for the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he only speaks what is part of his nature, because he is a liar and the father of [all] liars. But because I tell [you] the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you can prove me guilty of sinning? If I tell you the truth, why do you not believe me? The person who belongs to God listens to the message from God. The reason you will not listen to it is because you do not belong to God."
But instead, you are trying to kill me, a man who has [only] told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this [kind of thing]. You people are doing what your father does." They said to Him, "We were not born illegitimately; the only Father we have is God." Jesus replied, "If God were [truly] your Father you would love me, because I came from God to be here. For I did not come on my own authority, but God sent me. Why do you people not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot [bear to] listen to my message. You belong to your father the devil, and you are [always] wanting to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the [very] beginning [Note: This is probably a reference to Satan's influence on Adam, Eve and Cain in the Garden of Eden] and does not stand for the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he only speaks what is part of his nature, because he is a liar and the father of [all] liars. But because I tell [you] the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you can prove me guilty of sinning? If I tell you the truth, why do you not believe me? The person who belongs to God listens to the message from God. The reason you will not listen to it is because you do not belong to God."
Jesus answered them, "I did tell you, but you would not believe me. The [miraculous] deeds that I am doing in my Father's name [i.e., by the Father's authority] testify about me. But you do not believe me, because you are not [part] of my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. read more.
I give them never ending life and they will never be destroyed, and no one will [be able to] steal them out of my hand. What my Father has given me [i.e., my sheep] are greater than everything [else], and no one is able to steal them from the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
I give them never ending life and they will never be destroyed, and no one will [be able to] steal them out of my hand. What my Father has given me [i.e., my sheep] are greater than everything [else], and no one is able to steal them from the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of the Israelites and [yet] you do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I tell you, we [i.e., Jesus and His disciples] speak about what we know, and testify about what we have seen, but you do not accept our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe [it], how will you believe [it] if I tell you about heavenly things?
So, Jesus said to them, "The Light will be among you for only a little while [longer]. Walk around while you [still] have the Light [with you], before darkness surrounds you. For the person who walks around in darkness does not know where he is going. [So], believe in the Light [i.e., Jesus is speaking of Himself] while you [still] have the Light [with you], so that you can become enlightened people." After Jesus said these things, He left there and hid Himself from them. But [even] though Jesus had performed so many [miraculous] signs in front of the people, still they did not believe in Him. read more.
This was so that these words, which Isaiah the prophet had spoken, would be fulfilled [Isa. 53:1], "Lord, who has believed our message? And who has the Lord's power been shown to?" They were not able to believe because Isaiah also said [Isa. 6:10], "God has blinded their eyes [of understanding] and closed their minds. If He had not done so, they would [be able to] see with their eyes and understand with their minds and turn [to God] so He could heal them [spiritually]." Isaiah had said these things because he saw the [coming] glory of Jesus, and [so] was speaking about Him. However, even many [Jewish] leaders believed in Him, but did not admit it, for fear of being expelled from the synagogue. For they loved the honor they received from people more than the honor they [could] receive from God.
This was so that these words, which Isaiah the prophet had spoken, would be fulfilled [Isa. 53:1], "Lord, who has believed our message? And who has the Lord's power been shown to?" They were not able to believe because Isaiah also said [Isa. 6:10], "God has blinded their eyes [of understanding] and closed their minds. If He had not done so, they would [be able to] see with their eyes and understand with their minds and turn [to God] so He could heal them [spiritually]." Isaiah had said these things because he saw the [coming] glory of Jesus, and [so] was speaking about Him. However, even many [Jewish] leaders believed in Him, but did not admit it, for fear of being expelled from the synagogue. For they loved the honor they received from people more than the honor they [could] receive from God.