The Testimony of John

This is the testimony of John [the Baptist] when the Jews sent priests and Levites to him from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”

First Passover—Cleansing the Temple

Now the Passover of the Jews was approaching, so Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover feast, many believed in His name [identifying themselves with Him] after seeing His signs (attesting miracles) which He was doing.

Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one ought to worship is in Jerusalem [at the temple].”

Jesus replied, “Woman, believe Me, a time is coming [when God’s kingdom comes] when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.

So when He arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed Him, since they had seen all the things that He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they too came to the feast.

The Healing at Bethesda

Later on there was a Jewish feast (festival), and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now in Jerusalem, near the Sheep Gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew (Jewish Aramaic) Bethesda, having five porticoes (alcoves, colonnades).

Then some of the people of Jerusalem said, “Is this not the Man they want to kill?

Jesus Asserts His Deity

At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem.

Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away;

Now the Passover of the Jews was approaching, and many from the country went up to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves [ceremonially, so that they would be able to participate in the feast].

The Triumphal Entry

The next day, when the large crowd who had come to the Passover feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,