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| 1 'Verily, verily, I say to you, He who is not entering through the door to the fold of the sheep, but is going up from another side, that one is a thief and a robber;
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I say unto you – It was doubtless as a reproof of the false shepherding, which our Lord spoke of in the previous chapter, that he spoke this parable. R2441:1
By the door – Our Lord Jesus, as the "Shepherd," by fulfilling the terms of the Law Covenant, entered the "door" and secured all the blessings and privileges which had been promised in the Law. Q845:3
The one way of approach to the Father during the Gospel age is repentance of sin, turning from it, acceptance of the merit of Christ, and a consecration to the Lord to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. NS411:5
The sheepfold – The homeland of the Lord's sheep of this Gospel age is heaven itself, and his bringing them to it will mean their resurrection change. R5694:1; NS412:5
Jehovah established a typical kingdom or sheepfold, and accepted the nation of Israel as his sheep. He fenced them in with a Law Covenant. R2441:4
The sheepfold was the Law Covenant arrangement under which Israel was placed at Sinai. R4732:2, 2672:1
The fold described in the parable is a place of safety, rest, and protection from prowling wild beasts and from robbers. R4157:2, 4732:2
It is contrary to the will of the great Chief Shepherd that his sheep should be separated from each other by pens, and hindered from the proper liberties of the fold. R3142:2
Those who enjoy its security, enjoy also its liberty. It has one, and only one, wall to keep out the "wolves." This wall is faith in Christ as man's ransom-sacrifice. R3142:2
Let us stand fast in that liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free; allowing none to pen us up by human creeds; nor any to lead us beyond the Chief Shepherd's bounds, into unauthorized liberties and speculations. (Gal. 5:1) R3143:1
Some other way – Than that of keeping the divine Law and purchasing the sheep. R2673:3
By a hypocritical observance of the letter of the Law, rather than by a heart observance and fulfillment of the spirit of the Law. Q845:3
By climbing over the Law, or by digging under it. R2441:5
Than that which God has appointed, through faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ. R1647:6, 1582:3, 1442:2; NS411:5
There is "none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12) than Jesus, and the way he opened up when he "gave himself a ransom for all." (1Tim. 2:6) R688:4
So-called Christian Science and the various no-ransom Evolution theories all are attempts to show men how to climb up to everlasting life by some other way than faith in the precious blood of Christ. R3199:5, 2672:6, 1647:5
Whatever theory does not square with the ransom for all, absolutely and in every particular, is proven to be a false one. R1719:4
A thief – Referring to those who attempted fraudulently to palm themselves off on the Jewish people as their leader. These are particularly referred to by Gamaliel in Acts 5:35-38. R4732:6
Various others presented themselves as the Messiah, falsely claiming the right to lead Israel--false Messiahs. R2441:4
Pretenders, who sought to gain possession of the sheep for their own selfish ends. R2672:2
Attempting to take what they had not secured a right to, and that for selfish gain. R2673:3
He not only steals the title of Shepherd or Pastor, but is willing to risk the destruction of the spiritual life of the sheep that the sectarian lines may be kept up, and his own personal interests served. R3527:3
The Scriptural basis of fellowship and disfellowship is of two parts: (1) an acceptance of Christ as the Redeemer; and (2) a full consecration to him. R3673:1
And a robber – In combining these two words our Lord represents the foes of the flock, some of them being crafty, and some of them open, bold, aggressive. R3527:2
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| 2 and he who is entering through the door is shepherd of the sheep;
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By the door – There was but one doorway into these folds and it was supposed to be guarded by a porter who would know the true shepherd and admit him and no other. R4157:2
Opening up a new and living way, or, more correctly, a new way of life. R4157:3
Not a new door, but the opening of the door which had previously been closed. The door was the Law, which could not open except by obedience to the Law. R4157:3
Is the shepherd – The Apostle John first presents Christ as the Light of the world; then as the Feeder of the hungry; the Giver of the water of life; the Healer of human woes; the Supplier of human needs; the Opener of the eyes of our understanding; and now as the Good Shepherd. R2441:1
David wrote prophetically, "Jehovah is my shepherd" (Psa. 23:1); for in David's day the arrangements for the Shepherd and his flock of this parable had not been completed. R2672:1
Our word "pastor" signifies shepherd, as does also the Greek word rendered "bishop" in our Common Version New Testament; and God, the Great Shepherd, "set" these in the Church, says the Apostle. R2431:4
Of the sheep – Symbols of meekness, gentleness, harmlessness. R2441:2
The Messiah was introducing a new system of teaching the philosophy and ethics of a new dispensation, but it was so radical and revolutionary that it would only appeal to those with sheeplike meekness. R1647:2
The flock which the Lord was gathering to himself at the time of this parable was not natural Israel, but spiritual Israel. R3527:6
They were a small flock compared with the nominal Jewish system. R3528:1
A Little Flock. R1648:2
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| 3 to this one the doorkeeper doth open, and the sheep hear his voice, and his own sheep he doth call by name, and doth lead them forth;
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The porter – The door was barred by justice, as represented in the Mosaic Law, Israel's covenant. R2441:5
The porter who could thus discriminate between the true and the false was the Law Covenant. Our Lord met the demands of the Law fully, and is thus identified to us as the rightful shepherd. R4157:2, 2672:2
The holy Spirit of God. R1647:3
Openeth – When the true Shepherd came, he satisfied the Law, the porter. R2672:2
By the various ways which proclaimed him to be the Son of God, as at his baptism, on the mount of transfiguration, at his death, etc. R1647:3
His own sheep – The special characteristics of the sheep are meekness, docility, lack of self-confidence, and the obedience to the shepherd in whom they fully trust. R5491:4
The barons and lords of England have adopted lions' heads, tigers' heads, eagles' heads, etc. This represents the natural mind. He who represented himself as a Good Shepherd and his followers as sheep had a very different idea of the whole matter. R4157:1, 2441:2
By name – In Palestine every sheep has a personal acquaintance with its shepherd, and he with it, and it is said that this acquaintance is so particular that the shepherds have a separate name for each sheep, and each sheep knows its own name. R2672:3, 2441:3
The Greeks had a similar custom with names corresponding to certain defects, such as Torn, Broken Legged, One Eye, etc. In a flock of hundreds of thousands each individual sheep knows and is known by his name. R4157:6
The call of the present time is not a general one, but a special call. R2441:6
He is interested in them, not only as a general flock, but as individuals. R1647:5
He gives to each one of us a new name, and we are each personally known to him--our peculiarities of character, temperament, etc., our strong points and our weaknesses--he knows them all. R2672:3
This suggests to us the intimacy of the relationship between Christ and each member of his flock. R2672:2
Leadeth them out – They had been "shut up" under the Law Covenant. R3527:6, 2672:2, 2441:5
Nevertheless, having started them in the way, he will not drive them. He goeth before them to lead, that they may follow. R2672:3
This means a very special supervision of the affairs and interests of each one of his true disciples. Whatever may come to these is not a matter of choice or luck. R5711:5
Our Lord's parable does not tell about the disciplines which the sheep are sure to receive, but these are set before us in the prophetic Psalm on the subject, in the words, "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." (Psa. 23:4) R2672:5
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The Porter – In the Harvest of the Jewish Age the porter was the Law Covenant that kept the Jews penned in. In the Harvest of the Gospel Age the porter would seem to be the false claim that the only way to God was through the nominal church.
Hear his voice – This is the voice of our Lord Jesus, especially at both the first and second advents. In both cases Jesus stands outside the nominal church system and calls to his sheep.
His voice is the Harvest Message.
He leadeth them out – It is Jesus who calls us to "Come out of her, my people." |
| 4 and when his own sheep he may put forth, before them he goeth on, and the sheep follow him, because they have known his voice;
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Putteth forth – Signifying his looking after them, that they all get started in the way of the green pastures and still waters for soul refreshment. (Psa. 23:2) R2672:3
They needed to be led out into the green pastures. The fold is a place for rest and protection, but not a place for feeding. R4732:2
Before them – To lead, and not behind them to drive. R1648:2
In Palestine the shepherd goes before his flock and the sheep will follow him. CR497:5
However varied the experiences of Christians may be, the Lord knows all about it, for he has felt the same, "yet without sin." (Heb. 4:15) R140:1
The sheep follow him – The sheep manifest their relationship to him as his flock by their obedience to his call, by following him. R2442:1
Know his voice – In the voice of the true Shepherd there is something that has the proper ring. In the sound is the chord of justice mingled with those of love, wisdom and power. R4732:3, 4158:1, 2672:5
Truth, like a magnet, gathers to itself all who have an affinity for it. Thrust it in wherever you will, it will invariably accomplish its work of finding the loyal and faithful. R1362:2
The important thing is that we should become true members of the Lord's flock, intimately acquainted with him, and familiar with his word, his voice. R2441:3
How important from the divine standpoint is knowledge, not merely head knowledge, but heart knowledge, intimate acquaintance with the Lord and his glorious plan. R4158:4
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He goeth before them – Showing that the sheep need no longer remain in the system. Before the Bride leaves the system, the Lord has already left it as indicated by this phrase: "He goeth before them".
The sheep follow him – As always. The true sheep always follow the leading of their Master.
"Come out of her, my people."
They know his voice – They do not guess at his voice, they know it, thus indicating that these make the Truth their own. "Prove all things, hold fast that which is good." |
| 5 and a stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him, because they have not known the voice of strangers.'
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A stranger – With such thoughts as universal salvation, evolution or eternal torture. R1648:4
The very ones who should have been helping the scattered sheep of Israel to recognize the true Shepherd were seeking to prevent the Lord's sheep from recognizing the Shepherd. R2441:1
Not follow – We have the Lord's assurance that none of the true sheep will be satisfied with the false gospel; it will not appeal to their hearts. R4158:1
The sheep will not follow another having a different voice, a different sound or message. R4732:3
They shun all profane babblings of science, falsely so-called, and being close students of the divine Word, are prepared to quickly detect error, though it lurk behind a plausible semblance of truth. R1206:3
It is the duty of every sheep to take special notice of the message and the manner of every brother before they aid in putting him forward as an overseer, either local or general. F247
We are to hear the Lord and his chosen mouthpieces rather than to follow our own imaginations or the imaginations of other uninspired men. R3346:5
A great mistake which some have made, in view of the conflicting ideas of what is truth, has been to discard every human instrumentality and expect God's guidance through the Bible alone. R1206:4
A Scottish traveler changed clothes with a shepherd, and thus disguised began to call the sheep; they remained motionless; then the true shepherd raised his voice and they all hastened to him in spite of his strange garments. R4158:1, 2441:3
If we see some whom we had supposed were of the Lord's flock heeding another voice, we need not be fearful; for if they are true sheep of the Lord's flock they cannot long be deceived, if at all. R2673:1
Flee from him – They will not be deceived by the Adversary, though he should disguise himself in garments of light, to deceive, if it were possible, the very elect. R2441:3
They know not – They do not recognize. CR444:5
Voice of strangers – Intimating that others would seek to call the sheep in his name, and to direct them, whose leading would be contrary to his. R910:2
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| 6 This similitude spake Jesus to them, and they knew not what the things were that he was speaking to them; |
Unto them – It is supposed that this parable was uttered in the hearing of the man born blind, and in the hearing also of the Pharisees. R4157:3, 2441:1
No doubt the man was feeling discouraged because of his excommunication from the supposed fold of the Lord's people. The Lord illustrates the fact that he had not really been cast out of the Lord's fold, but merely out of a human organization. R4157:3
They understood not – Therefore the Lord repeated it in slightly different terms, proclaiming himself as the doorway by which any could enter into divine favor as members of the Lord's flock. R4157:4
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| 7 Jesus said therefore again to them, 'Verily, verily, I say to you I am the door of the sheep;
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I am the door – He is both the door and the shepherd. He entered the door of the divine plan, and thus became to us the door of opportunity; he was also therefore counted worthy to be the Shepherd to lead us back to the fold of God. R1647:3
There was only one door, which had not been opened, and which none of these would-be leaders could open. That door was the door of redemption. Our Lord, by giving his life for the sheep, opened that door. R4732:3, 4157:3, 1647:3
Jesus as the "door" represents all the privileges and blessings of the true sheep. R3528:1
Jesus became the door of egress from the Jewish sheepfold, and there is no other egress. R4732:3
Thus the man who had been cast out of the synagogue might perceive that he had really lost nothing, but that on the contrary he had been assisted toward the right door of the true fold. R4157:4
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| 8 all, as many as came before me, are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them;
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Thieves and robbers – The scribes and Pharisees. Q845:3
The word here rendered thieves contains the thought of craftiness, embezzlement. R3527:2
The word robber contains the thought of open violence, free-booting. R3527:2
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| 9 I am the door, through me if any one may come in, he shall be saved, and he shall come in, and go out, and find pasture.
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I am the door – As in the Tabernacle, there was only one gateway to enter the Holy Place or Court; the type thus testifying that there is but one way of access to God, one Gate, Jesus. T18
If any man – Inasmuch as there were not enough who heard his voice to complete the elect number of his flock, the Good Shepherd has lifted up his voice and has called sheep from amongst the Gentiles. R2441:6
Enter in – Many true sheep had gotten out of the fold and were lost in the wilderness of sin. His ministry was a call to these as well as to those who remained in the fold. R2441:6
He shall be saved – The Master did not say that he came to deliver the sheep from eternal torment, but that he came to deliver them from death. R4157:4
Go in and out – By him we enter into rest in the fold, the rest of faith. By him also we may go out to enjoy the liberties and refreshments to which as our Shepherd he leads the flock. R3528:1
Out and into pasturage and refreshment and to rest and security. R2673:3
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| 10 'The thief doth not come, except that he may steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they may have life, and may have [it] abundantly.
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Might have life – Men by disobedience had "lost" the right to eternal life. It was this life-right that man needed and that Christ came to give back to him. NS3:1; SM534:1
The language spoken in Palestine in Jesus' day was the Syrian. One of the Great Teacher's titles is The Savior. This, in Syriac language signifies, "The Life Giver." R4702:1; SM534:1; HG191:6
They will get back their soul, being, existence, with "life [Greek, zoee] more abundantly." E336
More abundantly – Perfect life, everlasting life. NS340:4
Referring to two classes--the obedient of the world who sustain life everlastingly; and the Church who, with Jesus, will share the divine nature, "more abundant" inherent life, not requiring sustenance. R5609:4, 4157:5
Those becoming participants in their Lord's grace, renounce, or sacrifice with him the earthly inheritance, the earthly life, that they may attain heaven and its "life more abundant." NS74:1
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| 11 'I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd his life layeth down for the sheep;
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The good shepherd – More literally, the grand Shepherd, the ideal Shepherd. R4157:1
Fitly representing the close confidential relationship, but it is a figure that is quite contrary to the world. R2441:1
Giveth his life – Greek, psuche, soul or being. E336
There was but one way to become the true Shepherd. That way was the way of the cross, to give himself a ransom for all. R4157:2, 2441:5
He demonstrated his devotion to his office by the sacrifice of everything, even life itself, on behalf of the sheep. R3527:3, 2673:4
No matter how many others might claim to be the shepherd, he declared himself to be the only true one, and that he would prove it, even to the sacrifice of his life for them. R1647:2
Our Lord defended the interests of the sheep against the false spirits and the wolves of his day, and it cost him his life. R3527:5
The link between the Shepherd and the sheep, as here indicated, is love. R2672:5
Literally, lays down, as in Diaglott and Variorum. Young gives the meaning, "to put, set, place." Not in the past tense. The Lord was speaking of something he was about to do, not what he had already done. R1298:6*
For the sheep – Our Lord's death not only satisfied the Law, "the porter," so that he opened the sheepfold, but it gave the true Shepherd the ownership and control of the sheep. R2441:6
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| 12 and the hireling, and not being a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, doth behold the wolf coming, and doth leave the sheep, and doth flee; and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep;
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That is an hireling – The owner of the flock or his son usually did the shepherding, or sometimes an employee who was given an interest in the increase of the flock, as, for instance, Jacob with his father-in-law, Laban. R2441:2
The responsibility of those who have undertaken the gospel ministry in the name of Christ is very great. D62
To advance their own personal interests; but he, as the true Shepherd, instead of seeking his own welfare, was seeking the welfare and advantage of the sheep. R4157:4
Seeking their own advantage: honor of men, influence, wealth, etc., and willing to sacrifice the sheep to serve these ends, illustrated in the treatment of the man whose eyes had just been opened. R3527:1
They think chiefly of their own ease and comfort, honor and dignity. They are not very deeply concerned respecting the spiritual progress of the sheep, but specially in numbers and collections. R2673:4, 1647:6
Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Confucius and others could not be classified as false shepherds, but as bell sheep, themselves lost, leading the flocks to the best pastures and purest waters they could find. R1647:5
Those who, after being enlightened, love darkness rather than light, and who, instead of pointing men to Christ, direct them to human philosophies, merit the appellations which the Lord applies to them. R1647:5
The wolf – The false teacher. R3142:3
Of infidelity. R1647:6
In sheep's clothing, of course; otherwise they would not be received. R3142:5
Scattereth the sheep – Only the wayward and heedless sheep can be harmed and scattered. The obedient, trusting sheep, will be tenderly cared for by the good Shepherd. R1648:2
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| 13 and the hireling doth flee because he is an hireling, and is not caring for the sheep.
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The hireling – Of all the professions, the Christian ministry has afforded the quickest and easiest route to fame, ease and general temporal prosperity, and often to wealth. D61
Fleeth – Some are fleeing from the old systems and running after Darwin and Huxley. Many are industriously endeavoring to dissuade the sheep from all faith in the inspiration of the sacred Scriptures. R1647:6
The great Parliament of Religions held in Chicago [1893] was a manifestation of the disposition of prominent hireling shepherds to attract the attention of the sheep to various heathen philosophies. R1647:6
Ignominiously, by silence and allowing the sheep to be misled. Our Lord could have taken this course by refraining from antagonizing the scribes, Pharisees and chief priests. R3527:5
Careth not – While none of them could have bought the sheep, since all were under condemnation, we have no reason to suppose that any of them would have been willing to purchase them at the cost of his all. R4158:3
For the sheep – The scribes and Pharisees neglected the interests of the people and were engaged in seeking their own gain--wealth and fame--while piously posing as religious leaders. Q845:3
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| 14 'I am the good shepherd, and I know my [sheep], and am known by mine,
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The good shepherd – He, in his absence, has made provision for his flock, that he would give them pastors and teachers who were to feed the flock of God, and to watch for their souls, for their lives, to protect them. R4158:3
The Good Shepherd will always be represented amongst the sheep by those who have his own characteristic. Through these he will utter his "voice" and lead his own sheep to pasture and to rest. R2673:5
As the true sheep know the true Shepherd and are known by him, so the true Shepherd should know the true under-shepherds and they should know the sheep intimately. R4158:3
Know my sheep – The shepherd was acquainted with his sheep and loved them, not merely as so much wealth and merchandise, but as friends with whom he conversed, and whose welfare he defended. R2441:2
Not all mankind are sheep, or have the Shepherd's care. In the present time only those who have heard the Shepherd's voice and responded to his call to become his sheep are his flock. His word is that it is a little flock. R3268:3
Other sheep are consecrated to human leaders, human institutions, human theories, human efforts, following their own bents, and are thus separated from the Little Flock. R2673:2
At the present time there are many sheep in the nominal church, but they are not all the Lord's sheep. The harvest is the time for separating the different flocks of sheep. R2673:2
And am known – From the standpoint of election, the Lord chooses such characters, and such characters choose the Lord. NS264:2
This class recognize, know, the Lord more and more intimately day by day, and find their love and devotion to him continually increasing. R3527:5
He knows us fully, we know him in part, known as we progress, but when the journey is finished then shall we know even as also we are known. (1 Cor. 13:12) R140:4*
The true sheep must not judge of fellow sheep by the pelt; for a wolf can wear a sheep's pelt; but must learn to note the Shepherd's voice and manner--directly through his Word, and indirectly through his representatives. R3142:6
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| 15 according as the Father doth know me, and I know the Father, and my life I lay down for the sheep,
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The Father knoweth me – Has confidence in me, has entrusted the care of the sheep to me. R2673:5
So know I – I have full confidence in him, and recognize him as my Shepherd. R2673:5
This intimacy of acquaintance, this fellowship divine, is something which cannot be explained to others, but which is certainly appreciated by all the true sheep. R3527:6
Lay down my life – Greek, psuche, soul. E337
His life as a man, his life in the flesh, his humanity, was what he gave for the life of the world as the world's sin-offering, "My flesh I will give for the life of the world." ( John 6:51) R1247:5, 4536:1, 1228:4
The drawing of the world could not take place except he were lifted up as the sin-offering. R2467:4
In harmony with God's arrangements for me and for my sheep. R2673:6
The sheep of the Little Flock now being called are to be sacrificed: as the Shepherd, the King's Son, himself was sacrificed as the Lamb of God. R2442:2
As it was the mission of our Lord not to rule the world at his first advent, but to lay down his life for the world, so it is the mission of the Church, not to rule the world now, but to "lay down our lives for the brethren." (1 John 3:16) R2415:3
His followers will not only have the same voice, the same Word, but they will have the same devotion to the interests of the sheep. R2673:5, 2442:5
For the sheep – For us, the Church, and for all mankind. E446
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| 16 and other sheep I have that are not of this fold, these also it behoveth me to bring, and my voice they will hear, and there shall become one flock one shepherd.
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Other sheep – There are two classes of sheep: obedient ones, easily led by the voice of the shepherd, and a more listless and somewhat wayward class who need some driving and guiding with the crook. R1648:2
Others who will become the Lord's followers under different conditions and a different call. R4784:3
Every soul that longs for the truth is one of the Lord's lost sheep. R1374:5
These other sheep will include all of mankind who, during the Millennial Kingdom, will be glad to avail themselves of the great provision the Lord has made for them in his plan. R5694:1, 5490:6, 4940:6, 4157:5, 3528:3, 2442:1, 1919:1, 1648:2, 1374:5, 655:1; NS272:6
The Good Shepherd gave his life a ransom for all his sheep, not merely for the Little Flock of this age. Christ's larger flock will be gathered after the kingdom is set up. R2442:1
I bought the whole world with the one sacrifice for sins, and all who have the true sheep disposition. R2673:6
Whosoever will live godly shall go out with joy and be led forth in peace by the great Shepherd of the flock. R3597:5
These other sheep are particularly mentioned by our Master in the parable of the Sheep and the Goats in Matt. 25:31-46. R4784:6, 3528:3, 2606:6, 701:2; NS181:5, 272:6
Evidently also referred to as another "book of life" from that of the Gospel age. (Rev. 20:12) R701:3
"Israel after the flesh" will not be neglected; for though of another flock, they are under the same shepherd. R633:5
While this may be particularly applicable to the sheep of the next age, it may not be amiss to apply it now to those who are received from amongst the Gentiles. R4732:6
The view that we who are of the Gentiles or "other sheep" mentioned are now being brought into the one fold is not correct. We were not the Lord's sheep at all at the time of this parable. R3528:2
God for a time recognized only Israel and left others unrecognized. These, blinded by Satan, are hindered by weaknesses within and errors without, and include such notable shining heathen lights as Aristotle, Plato, Confucius and others. R1180:3
He was speaking to his flock, spiritual Israel, whom he was gathering out from amongst nominal Israel and subsequently from amongst the Gentiles. The other sheep, now lost, the world in general, blind and deaf, will be found of the Lord shortly. NS272:6
The Good Shepherd has various flocks. "As a shepherd searches for his flock on the day that he is among his flocks that are scattered, so will I search for my flocks." (Ezek. 34:20--Leeser) R633:1
Not of this fold – Not of the Little Flock of this Gospel age. R3268:3
They will be of a different nature from the flock which the Lord is selecting during this Gospel age. R5694:1, 5491:1
We who are not Jews by nature, but Gentiles when we came into Christ, are members of this same flock. R3528:2
I must bring – In due time, to a knowledge of the truth and to the full privilege of sheep. R3268:3
He has not yet begun to bring the other sheep; he is still taking the flock he first started to call, namely, spiritual Israel. NS412:2
The Lord will lead his sheep back to the heights of life. He is now leading his sheep of the Gospel age, the Church. By and by he will lead the world, during his Millennial Kingdom. R5654:4, 4158:5, 2673:6
Lead into truth and righteousness during the Millenial age. R655:1, 5490:6
The entire Millennial age will be required for the finding of the Lord's true sheep amongst the world of mankind. R3528:3, 3268:3
At that time the present flock will have passed beyond the veil into the Kingdom and its full glories. R4158:5, 2673:6
The Lord intends to use the very elect Little Flock of this Gospel age to carry his mercy and favor to all, and to give them an opportunity of becoming members of the human flock. R4158:6; NS412:6
One fold – In the Revised Version and Diaglott: "one flock." R4159:1
Illustrating unity and indivisibility. R81:2*
"Of whom the whole family both in heaven and in earth is named." (Eph. 3:15) R2673:6
The two flocks will come back into harmony with God, but the one flock will be of the heavenly fold while the other flock will be of the earthly fold. NS412:6; R4732:6
Eventually all of God's creatures on various planes of being shall be recognized as one family of God. R3268:6
The flock will be one, but the sheep will be of various natures on various planes of being. R4159:4, 4940:6
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| 17 'Because of this doth the Father love me, because I lay down my life, that again I may take it;
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Therefore – Love with an if in it means love that is conditional, or because of something. R1253:5
My Father love me – There are two kinds of love: the intense, particular love, and the general love, or kindness; and two sorts of love, affectionate love and loving kindness. This text shows special love, or affection. R1254:3
My life – Psuche, being, existence; not zoee, life. R667:4, 53:4*; E337
That I might take – According to the divine promise and power, in the resurrection. E337
Literally, receive; in his resurrection. R667:3
When he laid down his being, it was a human soul or being; but when he was made alive from the dead, it was no longer a human being, but a life-giving spirit, of the divine nature. R667:3
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| 18 no one doth take it from me, but I lay it down of myself; authority I have to lay it down, and authority I have again to take it; this command I received from my Father.'
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No man taketh it – Jesus' death was a voluntary act. While men might seem to take his life by crucifying him, yet they were mistaken; in reality, "no man taketh it from me." R198:2*
No man took it from him in the sense that no man had that power, since God had promised that "he that keepeth the law shall live by it." CR95:5; R4642:4
I lay it down – Jesus surrendered his life. He did not give away his life, nor did he forfeit it; nor did the Jews or Roman soldiers take it from him contrary to his permission. R4704:4; Q445:2
He did not barter or exchange his life for the heavenly nature. Our Lord's life would have been protected had he not voluntarily submitted and laid down his earthly rights. CR96:5; R4751:4, 4642:4
He laid it down in the Father's hands, saying, "Into thy hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46) R4642:4; CR96:5
Of myself – Christ likewise so loved the world as freely to become the instrument of Jehovah for its salvation. R2099:3
It was necessary that his disciples should know this, not merely that they might esteem their Lord more highly, but especially that they might realize him as their Redeemer, whose voluntary sacrifice for our sins redeemed father Adam and his entire race. R3528:6
Our Lord's earthly life was not forfeited, but merely laid down. The intention of laying it down was to abandon it, personally, forever, that humanity might get it. R5342:1, 4704:4; Q194:2
All other men are in bondage to corruption, and have no life in them by nature, but he being a perfect and sinless man, was not liable to sin's penalty, death. R677:1*
Christ was able to, and did, keep God's perfect law of love, and by thus remaining a perfect human being, was not subject to death. R1213:3*
Jesus kept the Law inviolate, therefore he had a right to life, hence it is that the Law did not demand his death, but when he died it was willingly a sacrifice for our sins. R608:1, 2037:5
Instead of the penalty of sin being "inflicted" upon our Redeemer, our Lord Jesus gladly and freely gave himself as our ransom, in harmony with the Father's plan. R1287:1
He submitted in Gethsemane, not because he must, but because he was voluntarily submitting himself to death, steadfastly refusing to yield to any appeals from his flesh to escape or lessen his sufferings. R5585:5, 4591:2
I have power – Or, privilege. R2037:3, 667:3
Authority. R4751:4, 1213:3*, 667:3; Q445:2
He was commissioned or authorized by the Father so to do. R2037:3
To lay it down – Thus the human nature remains forever dead, and mankind, having a substitute in death, can justly be brought forth from death, and will be, in due time. R1337:1*, 823:5
The life to which we are justified by our faith in Jesus' ransom must be laid down, even as he laid down his life. Thus we are "crucified with Christ." (Gal. 2:20) R814:2*
Not, "laid down;" not past tense, but of an act in the future. R1298:5*
To take it again – This passage should read, "to receive it again." R2037:3, 667:3
Our Lord's commission was not merely to lay down his life, but also to receive it again. R3528:5
The human existence of Jesus, our ransom, was surrendered to everlasting death; but he lives as a divine being to claim and restore to perfection mankind, purchased by his human life. R823:5
Jesus rights to earthly life, protection, dominion and power all belonged to him as a new creature when he arose from the dead. Those earthly rights are the basis of all the blessings of God through him to mankind. R4642:4; CR96:5
The Father was not content to merely restore him to his previous high position of the past, but made him a partaker of the divine nature in the fullest and most absolute sense. R3528:6
This same promise is open to us if we are faithful: "If we suffer with him we shall also reign with him," sharing his "glory, honor and immortality"--the divine nature. (2 Pet. 1:4) R3528:6
This commandment – Word, precept. R667:3
Authority or power to say this. R198:3*, 4642:4; CR96:5
I received – I have obtained. CR96:5; R4642:4
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| 19 Therefore, again, there came a division among the Jews, because of these words, |
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| 20 and many of them said, 'He hath a demon, and is mad, why do ye hear him ' |
He hath a devil – That they were blinded by their own willful prejudice beyond that prejudice engendered by the fall, is evident because others, no less depraved, asked, "Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?" R724:1
And is mad – In the opinion of men he foolishly wasted his life. His life and teachings were mysteries to them. They could not understand him. A85
The world says of us that we are of an unsound mind because we care for the better things, the heavenly things. R5094:6; E196
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| 21 others said, 'These sayings are not those of a demoniac; is a demon able blind men's eyes to open ' |
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| 22 And the dedication in Jerusalem came, and it was winter, |
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The feast of the dedication – "Today this festival is called Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights." See What is the Feast of Dedication? |
| 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the porch of Solomon, |
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| 24 the Jews, therefore, came round about him, and said to him, 'Till when our soul dost thou hold in suspense if thou art the Christ, tell us freely.' |
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| 25 Jesus answered them, 'I told you, and ye do not believe; the works that I do in the name of my Father, these testify concerning me;
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In my Father's name – Our Lord Jesus in all matters acts as the representative of the Father, Jehovah, in the work of salvation. E35
Neither Elijah nor Elisha nor Jesus claimed to give life to the dead by their own power. It was the power of Jehovah delegated to, or active through them. R810:3
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| 26 but ye do not believe, for ye are not of my sheep,
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Not of my sheep – All who believe are his sheep. R140:1*
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| 27 according as I said to you: My sheep my voice do hear, and I know them, and they follow me,
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My sheep – During the Gospel age the Lord has but one Church, one flock who follow him. R4784:3
It is well that all should have the docile, sheep-like nature, but it is necessary also that the sheep have character, else they cannot be overcomers. F247
Hear my voice – Obey. F247; R279:4, 142:5
The Word of God. R2672:5
How does God call? By the Gospel. (2 Thess. 2:14) Jesus called by the Gospel when he was on earth, and then he gave the commission to the disciples, and so the calling goes on through the long dark night until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. R810:6*
There are many voices in the world, some calling in one direction and some in another. The world calls us, the flesh calls us, the Adversary calls us, and the Master calls us. R3163:3, 2672:6, 2257:1
We are intentionally exposed to the various voices which would call us away from our Shepherd, and from following in his footsteps. R2257:2
We may have difficulty in discerning between the voice of the Adversary and the voice of the good Shepherd, because the Adversary's method is to simulate, or counterfeit, the voice of the Shepherd. R3163:6
Not all are able to hear and recognize the Shepherd's voice in the present time. The majority are deaf on the subject. The Scriptures say, "He that hath an ear to hear [the Gospel] let him hear." (Rev. 2:7) R2257:1
The true sheep will listen intently for the faintest sound of the Shepherd's voice. R5491:4
The voice of the Lord, the Great Shepherd, amongst his sheep is to be heard now, because it is the time of his second presence. R5693:6
During this harvest time, the increase of light, this hearing of the voice of the Lord, brings a test--the separation of those who are the true sheep from others who do not belong to this flock. R3883:6
The true sheep hear the Shepherd's voice, saying, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matt. 16:24) R1790:3
We hear his voice assuring us that it is his will that we who belong to his chaste, espoused virgin class should all be one, no longer separated into sects and parties by creedal fences. SM125:2
If any are in Babylon and do not hear the voice of the Lord now calling them out, the inference is that they are not his true sheep. R5697:5
The shepherd of one flock calls his sheep in squads, and when the squad has done drinking, orders it away by sounds which the sheep perfectly understand, and calls up another squad. R4157:6
The Apostle tells us that "the ox knoweth its owner and the ass his master's crib." (Isa. 1:3) Although brute beasts, they know where to go for their nourishment. R3786:1
They follow me – Follow the voice, the instructions, of the Shepherd. E386
"Take up their cross and follow me." (Mark 10:21) R279:4, 142:5
To gain everlasting life we must become the Lord's "sheep" and follow the voice, the instruction of the Shepherd. It will not be forced upon any, but must be sought, desired and laid hold upon by all who would gain it. R1878:4, 1648:2
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| 28 and life age-during I give to them, and they shall not perish to the age, and no one shall pluck them out of my hand;
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I give unto them – Jehovah is our Father, life-giver, though he has used the Spirit and the Word as his agents in our begetting, and will use Jesus as his agent in our birth or resurrection. R297:2
It is God in Christ reconciling the world to himself. We honor both the Father and the Son. R27:5*
As Lord, Christ gives immortality. R62:4*
Granted only to those who, when they learn of it and the terms upon which it will be granted as a gift, seek for it, by living according to the spirit of holiness. E386
Contrary to Romanism's teaching that immortality is inherent in all men. R560:4*
Eternal life – It was by virtue of purchasing the sheep by his now precious blood that their eternal life is possible. R4157:5
"I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation [make him understand my plan]." (Psa. 91:15,16) R3332:5
Never perish – As the Father hath inherent life, so he gave to the Son to have this life--he had the promise of it during his earthly ministry and the reality of it in his resurrection. This same promise is given to the Church. R5608:6
A truly regenerated soul who abides under the blood never will be lost. R140:1
Neither shall any – We are as dear to him as the apple of his eye. He that began a good work in us is able to complete it in the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil. 1:6) R5118:5
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| 29 my Father, who hath given to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to pluck out of the hand of my Father;
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My Father – There is something thoroughly incorrect in the idea that our Lord Jesus was his own heavenly Father, Jehovah. R2773:3
Which gave them me – All the drawing thus far done from the time of our Lord to the present has been done by the Heavenly Father himself, not by a mediator nor by an advocate. R4476:2
Greater than all – On so important a question as the equality of the Father and the Son, we must not rely upon any man's testimony except that of the inspired writers of the Scriptures. R5747:6; OV114:4
In combatting the error that Jesus was a mere man, some, loyal to the Lord, went to the other extreme and declared him, contrary to his own words, equal to the Father. R4165:1
Meditating no such usurpation of divine authority as did Lucifer. On the contrary, he was the very personification of loving obedience and self-abnegation. OV307:T
He had no thought of robbing the divine glory and honor by putting himself upon a equality with God the Father. R5846:6
The word "all" may be used to refer to all mankind, or all of a certain specified class. Here the all includes creatures on every plane of being--men, angels, etc. It is the plural form of the Greek word pas. R838:2
Even "the Son himself being subject unto him, that God may be all in all." (1 Cor. 15:28) R715:4*
The great Shepherd now present with his sheep and gathering out of all the various pens of Christendom those who know his voice, will not suffer the wolves to stampede his flock, nor to devour them. R4710:4, 4449:4
No man is able – There is no danger of others plucking or forcibly separating us from God's favor, or turning his love away from us. The only danger is in our own doings. R1458:5
While each member of the Royal Priesthood is at liberty to go back to wallowing in the mire, yet if he choose to remain, none shall be able to pluck him out of his Father's hand, nor to separate him from his grace. (Rom. 8:38,39) SM11:T
If the salt loses its savor it will be because we abandon the truth and turn unto fables, and not because God fails to supply it to his saints with abundant and convincing proof. R634:6*
It does not imply an imprisonment of those in God's care, so that they cannot go from him as they came to him, by the exercise of their own free wills. R1698:6
So long as our hearts are loyal, neither angels nor devils nor men will be permitted to separate us from him; but if we do not earnestly desire to abide in him, he will not only permit us to leave him, but will force us to do so. R2287:1
The Lord himself keeps the Church books and the individual accounts of each member. His unerring wisdom alone is sufficient for that. It is most unbecoming in any member of the Body to assume the authority of the Head of the Church. R1893:5
To pluck them out – Or blot their names from the records in heaven. R1893:5
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| 30 I and the Father are one.'
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Are one – One in sympathy, one in plan, one in operation, and not one in person. CR229:5
This text is considered as a proof that our Lord Jesus is entitled to the name Jehovah, that he was both the Father and the Son; or that he had no Father and was not a Son. On the contrary, the thought of this text is that of harmony. E75
He and the Father were one in mind and purpose, because he would not do any will of his own; he would do only the Father's will. They were in absolute oneness. E75; CR248:5
Because he had fully submitted his will to the Father's will and had made the Father's will his own, therefore they were one. SM493:1
It is a oneness which results from having the same mind or spirit; it is the same oneness that should exist between a heart union of man and wife; they twain are one. R369:5
The Bible says that all men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father. CR248:5
In John 17:20-23 the oneness of the Church for which the Lord prayed is stated to be exactly the same as the oneness between the Father and the Son--a oneness of mind, and not a personal oneness. E75; NS258:6
Christ's followers, when united to him, will be given immortality, thus being made one with him in the same sense that the Father and the Son are one. Thus will their lives harmonize and blend, yet the Father will be greater than all. R715:4*
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| 31 Therefore, again, did the Jews take up stones that they may stone him; |
The Jews – "A man's foes shall be those of his own household." (Matt. 10:36) The Master was a Jew. The Jews were his brethren according to the flesh; and it was they that hated him without a cause, they that persecuted him. SM218:2
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| 32 Jesus answered them, 'Many good works did I shew you from my Father; because of which work of them do ye stone me '
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From my Father – In discoursing with his disciples, Jesus tells them that they might pray to God as their Father. No Jew had ever done this before. R5683:6
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| 33 The Jews answered him, saying, 'For a good work we do not stone thee, but for evil speaking, and because thou, being a man, dost make thyself God.' |
Blasphemy – Applicable to any indignity offered to God. Bouvier defines it: "Blasphemy is to attribute to God that which is contrary to his nature and does not belong to him, and to deny what does." B306
Blasphemy, as the word is used in Scripture, does not signify profane swearing, but rather a misstatement of character. R499:6
Makest thyself God – Reasoning thus: that if a son of God, he was making himself to be also a God, or of the God family. R301:3
Jesus said that not only was he the Son of God, but that he would bring many sons to God. R5623:3
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| 34 Jesus answered them, 'Is it not having been written in your law: I said, ye are gods
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Written in your law – Where all of the Lord's consecrated people, the Gospel Church, are called "sons of God." He merely claimed the same title that was there freely given to those who would come into that relationship. (Psa. 82:6) R2781:5
Ye are gods – Clearly showing that the term "gods" in Psa. 82 is applied to all the sons of the Most High God, who will be joint-heirs with Christ Jesus. C239
Referring to other mighty ones--the Church, the sons of God, of whom Jesus is the head or chief. R421:3, 338:2
Greek, theos, seldom used in the New Testament except in referring to Jehovah, because the apostles rarely spoke of false systems of religion; yet so used of other than Jehovah, here and in Acts 7:40,43; 17:23; 1 Cor. 8:5. B274
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| 35 if them he did call gods unto whom the word of God came, (and the Writing is not able to be broken,)
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Unto whom the word – Those having ears to hear; and it applies still to the same class. E69
The gods there mentioned are the ones who receive obediently his words and example. If God calls such as receive Jesus' teachings "gods," the teacher of those gods could properly claim the same relationship as a son of God. R474:2, 301:3
Cannot be broken – Not only David was inspired, but this text proves that the 82nd Psalm, a "Psalm of Asaph," also "cannot be broken." R1418:3; HG310:6
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| 36 of him whom the Father did sanctify, and send to the world, do ye say Thou speakest evil, because I said, Son of God I am
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Hath sanctified – Jesus Christ was sanctified, and sent into the world for the good of the human race; and his Body or Bride are for the same purpose. R69:5*
I am the Son of God – The charge of blasphemy against our Lord was based on his claim of being a Son of God--not the Father himself; that thus he was placing himself on a parity with God, as being of the same kind or nature. R2781:5
This feature of the Master's teachings especially angered the Jews; for they declared that in claiming to be the Son of God, he was establishing himself upon a pedestal of honor in competition with Jehovah. R5768:1; OV329:2
He never acknowledged Joseph to be his father; nor did he ever acknowledge his earthly life to be the beginning of his existence. E89
Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, and consequently the Messiah. He also required his disciples to believe this truth. R944:4*
Just what we claim. "Beloved now are we the sons of God." (1 John 3:2) "The God and Father of our Lord Jesus hath begotten us." (1Pet. 1:3) R301:3
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| 37 if I do not the works of my Father, do not believe me;
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| 38 and if I do, even if me ye may not believe, the works believe, that ye may know and may believe that in me [is] the Father, and I in Him.'
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Believe the works – Messiah was to heal the sick, etc.; consequently our Lord must do these things, and in a measure begin the work of restitution, so that Israel could recognize him and be responsible for rejecting him and his "works." R2000:4
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| 39 Therefore were they seeking again to seize him, and he went forth out of their hand, |
But he escaped – It seems as though his explanation satisfied them, for they did not stone him. R474:2, 301:3
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| 40 and went away again to the other side of the Jordan, to the place where John was at first baptizing, and remained there, |
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| 41 and many came unto him, and said 'John, indeed, did no sign, and all things, as many as John said about this one were true;' |
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| 42 and many did believe in him there. |
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