God's Truth

Table of Contents

The Gospel of St John

(Part Three)


The 11th Chapter
     A certain man was sick, named Lazarus of Bethania the town of Mary and her sister Martha. It was that Mary which anointed Jesus with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick, and his sisters sent unto him saying. Lord behold he whom you love, is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said: this infirmity is not unto death, but for the laud of God, that the son of God might be praised by the reason of it. Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. After he heard that he was sick, then abode he two days still in the same place where he was.
     Then after that, said he to his disciples: let us go into Jewry again. His disciples said unto him: Master, the Jewes lately sought means to stone you, and will you go over there again? Jesus answered, are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day, he stumbles not, because he sees the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbles, because there is no light in him. This said he, and after that, he said unto them: our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go to wake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples: Lord if he sleep, he shall do well enough. How be it Jesus spoke of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of the natural sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead, and I am glad for your sakes, that I was not there, because you may believe. Nevertheless let us go unto him. Then said Thomas which is called Didymus, unto the disciples: let us also go, that we may die with him. Then went Jesus, and found that he had lain in his grave four days already. Bethanie was near unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off, and many of the Jewes were come to Martha and Mary to comfort them over their brother. Martha as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
     Then said Martha unto Jesus: Lord if you had been here, my brother had not been dead: but nevertheless, I know that whatsoever you ask of God, God will give it you. Jesus said unto her: your brother shall rise again. Martha said unto him: I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her: I am the resurrection and the life: He that believes on me, yea though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever lives and believes on me, shall never die. Believe you this? She said unto him: you Lord, I believe that you are Christ the son of God which should come into the world. And as soon as she had so said, she went her way and called Mary her sister secretly saying: The master is come and calls for you. And she as soon as she heard that, arose quickly, and came unto him. Jesus was not yet come into the town: but was in the place where Martha met him. The Jewes then which were with her in the house and comforted her, when they saw Mary that she rose up hastily, and went out, followed her, saying: She goes unto the grave, to weep there.
     Then when Mary was come where Jesus was and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him: Lord if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. When Jesus saw her weep, and the Jewes also weep, which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled in himself and said: Where have you laid him? They said unto him: Lord come and see. And Jesus wept. Then said the Jewes: Behold how he loved him. And some of them said: could not he which opened the eyes of the blind, have made also, that this man should not have died? Jesus again groaned in himself, and came to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone laid on it.
     And Jesus said: take you away the stone. Martha the sister of him that was dead, said unto him: Lord by this time he stinks. For he has been dead four days: Jesus said unto her: Said I not unto you, that if you did believe, you should see the glory of God. Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lift up his eyes and said: Father I thank you because that you have heard me. I wot (know) that you hear me always: but because of the people that stand by I said it that they may believe, that you have sent me.
     And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus come forth. And he that was dead, came forth, bound hand and foot with grave bonds, and his face was bound with a napkin. Jesus said unto them: loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jewes which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what Jesus had done.
     Then gathered the high Priests and the Pharisees a council, and said: what do we? This man does many miracles. If we let him scape thus, all men will believe on him, and the Romans shall come and take away our country and the people. And one of them named Caiphas which was the high priest that same year, said unto them: you perceive nothing at all nor yet consider that it is expedient for us, that one man die for the people, and not that all the people perish. This spoke he not of himself, but being high Priest that same year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the people, and not for the people only, but that he should gather together in one the children of God which were scattered abroad. From that day forth they held a counsel together, for to put him to death.
     Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jewes: but went his way from that place unto a country near to a wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there haunted with his disciples. And the Jewes *ester was near at hand and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the *ester, to purify themselves. Then sought they for Jesus, and spoke between themselves as they stood in the temple: What think ye, seeing he comes not to the feast? The high Priests and Pharisees had given a commandment, that if any man knew where he were, he should show it, that they might take him.*ester: exact spelling, feast of sweet bread

The 12th Chapter
     Then Jesus six days before *ester, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, which was dead and whom Jesus raised from death. There they made him a supper, and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment called Nardus, perfect and precious, and anointed Jesus feet, and wiped his feet with her hair and the house was filled of the savour of the ointment. Then said one of his disciples named Judas Iscarioth Simons son, which afterward betrayed him: why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This said he, not that he cared for the poor: but because he was a thief, and kept the bag, and bare that which was given. Then said Jesus: Let her alone, against the day of my burying she kept it. The poor all ways shall you have with you, but me shall you not all ways have. *ester: exact spelling, feast of sweet bread
     Much people of the Jewes had knowledge that he was there. And they came, not for Jesus sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also whom he raised from death. The high Priests therefore held a council that they might put Lazarus to death also, because that for his sake many of the Jewes went away, and believed on Jesus.
     On the morrow, much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus should come to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went and met him, and cried: Hosanna, blessed is he that in the name of the Lord, comes king of Israel. And Jesus got a young ass and sat thereon, according to that which was written: fear not daughter of Sion, behold your king comes sitting on an asses colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that such things were written of him, and that such things they had done unto him. The people that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from death, bare record. Therefore met him the people, because they heard that he had done such a miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves perceive you how we prevail nothing? behold the world goes away after him.
     There were certain Greeks among them, that came to pray at the feast: the same came to Philip which was of Bethsaida a city in Galile, and desired him saying: Sir we would fain see Jesus. Philip came and told Andrew. And again Andrew and Philip told Jesus. And Jesus answered them saying: the hour is come that the son of man must be glorified.
     Verily, verily I say unto you, except the wheat corn fall into the ground and die, it bides alone. If it die, it brings forth much fruit. He that loves his life shall destroy it: and he that hates his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man minister unto me, let him follow me and where I am there shall also my minister be. And if any man minister unto me, him will my father honour.
     Now is my soul troubled, and what shall I say? Father deliver me from this hour: but therefore came I unto this hour. Father glorify your name. Then came there a voice from heaven: I have glorified it and will glorify it again. Then said the people that stood by and heard: it thunders. Other said an angel spoke to him. Jesus answered and said: this voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
     Now is the judgement of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if were lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This said Jesus, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him: We have heard out of the law that Christ bides ever, and how say you then that the son of man must be lifted up? who is that son of man? Then Jesus said unto them: yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have light, least the darkness come on you. He that walks in the dark, wotteth (knows) not *whither he goes. While you have light believe on the light, that you may be the children of light.*whither=what ever place, result, or condition.
     These things spoke Jesus and departed, and hid himself from them. And though he had done so many miracles before them, yet believed not they on him, that the saying of Esaias the Prophet might be fulfilled, that he spoke.
     Lord who shall believe our saying? And to whom is the arm of the Lord opened? Therefore could they not believe, because that Esaias says again: he has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, that they should not see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Such things said Esaias when he saw his glory, and spoke of him. Nevertheless among the chief rulers many believed on him. But because of the Pharisees they would not be a known of it, least they should be excommunicated. For they loved the praise that is given of men, more than the praise that comes of God.
     And Jesus cried and said: he that believes on me, believes not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that sees me, sees him that sent me. I am come a light into the world that whosoever believes on me, should not hide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not. For I came not to judge the world: but to save the world. He that refuses me and receives not my words, has one that judges him. The words that I have spoken, they shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself: but the father which sent me, he gave me a commandment what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that this commandment is life everlasting. Whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the father bade me, so I speak.

The 13th Chapter
     Before the feast of ester when Jesus knew that his hour was come, that he should depart out of this world unto the father: When he loved his which were in the world, unto the end he loved them. And when supper was ended, after that the devil had put in the heart of Judas Iscariot Simons son, to betray him: Jesus knowing that the father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God: he rose from supper, and laid aside his upper garments, and took a towel, and girt himself. After that, poured he water into a basin, and began to wash his disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel, wherewith he was gird.
     Then came he to Simon Peter. And Peter said to him: Lord shall you wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him: what I do, you *wettest (know) not now, but you shall know hereafter. Peter said unto him: you shall not wash my feet while the world stands. Jesus answered him: if I wash you not, you shall have no part with me. Simon Peter said unto him: Lord, not my feet only: but also my hands and my head. Jesus said to him: he that is washed, needs not save to wash his feet, and is clean every whit. And you are clean: but not all. For he knew his betrayer. Therefore said he: you are not all clean.*wettest: that is sharply known
     After he had washed their feet, and received his clothes, and was set down again, he said unto them: know you what I have done to you? you call me master and Lord, and you say well, for so am I. If I then your Lord and master have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one anothers feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his master, neither the messenger greater than he that sent him.
     If you understand these things, happy are you if you do them. I speak not of you all, I know whom I have chosen. But that the scripture be fulfilled: he that eats bread with me, has lifted up his heel against me. Now tell I you before it come: that when it is come to pass you might believe that I am he. Verily, verily I say unto you. He that receives whomsoever I send, receives me. And he that receives me, receives him that sent me.
     When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in the spirit, and testified saying: verily, verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And then the disciples looked one on another doubting of whom he spoke. There was one of his disciples, which leaned on Jesus bosom, whom Jesus loved. To him beckoned Simon Peter that he should ask who it was of whom he spoke. He then as he leaned on Jesus breast, said unto him: Lord who is it? Jesus answered, he it is to whom I give a sop, when I have dipped it. And he wet a sop, and gave it to Judas Iscarioth Simons son. And after the sop, Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him: that you dost, do quickly. That wist (knew) no man at the table, for what intent he spoke unto him. Some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, buy those things that we have need of against the feast: or that he should give something to the poor. As soon then as he had received the sop, he went immediately out. And it was night. When he was gone out, Jesus said: now is the son of man glorified. And God is glorified by him. If God be glorified by him, God shall also glorify him in himself: and shall straightway glorify him.
     Dear children, yet a little while am I with you. you shall seek me, and as I said unto the Jewes, *whither I go, over there can you not come. Also to you say I now: A new commandment give I unto you, that you love together, as I have loved you, that even so you love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you shall have love one to another. Simon Peter said unto him: Lord whither go you? Jesus answered him: whither I go you can not follow me now, but you shall follow me afterwards. *whither=what ever place, result, or condition.
     Peter said unto him: Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will give my life for your sake? Jesus answered him: will you give your life for my sake? Verily, verily I say unto you, the cock shall not crow, till you have denied me three times.

The 14th Chapter
     And he said unto his disciples: Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, and believe in me. In my fathers house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you even unto myself that where I am, there may you be also. And *whither I go you know, and the way you know. *whither=what ever place, result, or condition.
     Thomas said unto him: Lord we know not *whither you go. Also how is it possible for us to know the way? Jesus said unto him: I am the way, the truth and the life. And no man comes unto the father, but by me. If you had known me, you had known my father also. And now you know him, and have seen him.
     Philip said unto him: Lord show us the father, and it suffices us. Jesus said unto him, have I been so long time with you: and yet have you not known me? Philip, he that has seen me, has seen the father. And how say you then: show us the father? Believe you not that *I am in the father, and the father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself: but the father that dwells in me, is he that does the works. Believe me, that I am in the father and the father in me. At the least believe me for the very works sake. * note error in Tyndale NT RN
     Verily, verily I say unto you, he that believes on me, the works that I do, the same shall he do, and greater works then these shall he do, because I go unto my father. And whatsoever you ask in my name, that will I do, that the father might be glorified by the son. If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
     If you love me keep my commandments, and I will pray the father, and he shall give you another comforter, that he may bide with you ever: which is the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because the world sees him not, neither knows him. But you know him. For he dwells with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: but will come to you.
     Yet a little while and the world sees me no more: but you shall see me. For I live and you shall live. That day shall you know that I am in my father, and you in me, and I in you.
     He that has my commandments and keeps them, the same is he that loves me. And he that loves me. And he shall be loved of my father: and I will love him, and will show mine own self unto him. Judas said unto him (not Judas Iscarioth) Lord what is the cause that you will show yourself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him: if a man love me and will keep my sayings, my father also will love him, and we will come unto him, and will dwell with him. He that loves me not, keeps not my sayings. And the words which you hear, are not mine, but the fathers which sent me.
     This have I spoken unto you being yet present with you. But that comforter which is the holy ghost (whom my father will send in my name) he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have told you.
     Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. Not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your hearts be grieved, neither fear ye. you have heard how I said unto you: I go and come again unto you. If you loved me, you would verily rejoice, because I said, I go unto the father. For the father is greater then I. And now have I showed you, before it come, that when it is come to pass, you might believe. Here after will I not talk many words unto you. For the ruler of this world comes, and has nought in me. But that the world may know that I love the father: therefore as the father gave me commandment, even so do I.
Rise let us go from here, now.

The 15th Chapter
     I am the true vine, and my father is an husbandman. Every branch that bears not fruit in me, he will take away. And every branch that bears fruit, will he purge, that it may bring more fruit. Now are you clean through the words which I have spoken unto you. Bide in me, and let me bide in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it bide in the vine: no more can you except you abide in me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit. For without me can you do nothing. If a man bide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered: and men gather it and cast it into the fire, and it burns. If you bide in me and my words also bide in you: ask what you will, and it shall be done to you.
     Herein is my father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and be made my disciples.
     As the father has loved me, even so have I loved you. Continue in my love. If you shall keep my commandments, you shall bide in my love, even as I have kept my fathers commandments, and bide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
     This is my commandment, that you love together as I have loved you. Greater love than this has no man, than that a man bestow his life for his friends. you are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you. From this time call I you not servants: for the servant knows not what his lord does. But you have I called friends: for all things that I have heard of my father I have opened to you.
     You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that you go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit remain, that whatsoever you shall ask of the father in my name, he should give it you.
     This command I you, that you love together. If the world hate you, you know that he hated me before he hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love his own. How be it because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore hates you the world. Remember the saying that I said unto you: the servant is not greater than the Lord.
     If they have persecuted me, so will they persecute you. If they have kept my sayings, so will they keep yours.
     But all these things will they do unto you for my names sake, because they have not known him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them they should not have had sin: but now have they nothing to cloak their sin with all. He that hates me, hates my father. If I had not done works among them which none other man did, they had not had sin. But now have they seen, and yet have hated both me and my father: even that the saying might be fulfilled that is written in their law: they hated me without a cause.
     But when the comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the father, which is the spirit of truth, which proceeds of the father, he shall testify of me. And you shall bear witness also, because you have been with me from the beginning.

CONTINUE

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