John chapter 10

vs 32

This is one of the classic times that shows Jesus using irony. He did obviously have a sense of humour, and sometimes it could be pretty dry. Making fun of the people about to stone you - priceless.

vs 33

There's always a problem with making rules about how someone can't do something unless they are someone. The problem is when someone actually is that specific someone, and you try and enforce your rule, you bone up.

vs 34-35

It's actually written in a Psalm, but close enough. In my opinion, Jesus is using this argument a bit facetiously. It is not meant to be taken as serious theological scholarship, but only to show the Pharisees the logical conclusion of their own wolly-mindedness.

vs 36

Here is his real point - The Bible says that God calls some people his Son, and designates himself as their Father. But the Pharisees are accusing Jesus of blasphemy, even though there is a historical precedent for this. The fact is, that God was going to send his Son, and now he's here, they want to stone him. S-m-r-t.

vs 37

Jesus wants them to judge him not by the rules they have enshrined, but by Jesus' actions and words first. Because who knows, he might just be the exception to their preciosu rules.

vs 38

If nothing else, if they're not going to listen to his words, at least accept the miracles which he has done. Even if they won't listen to him, at least accept that God is working.

vs 39

Their reaction was to try and arrest him, so he just does his ninja thing and slips away.

vs 40

So Jesus goes back t the Jordan, to see the people who believed John TB and lived around there, perhaps even some of TB's own disciples.

vs 41-42

What a change of pace for Jesus! Instead of constant harping about his words and an ignoring of his actions and a bunch of preconceived ideas, Jesus is now faced with a group of people who are willing to accept who he is, because of TB's testimony and because of the words they have now heard from him. And John TB didn't even do any miracles! But people were willing to look at his words for themselves, and weigh them up, and come to a well founded belief.

The contrast between them and the Pharisees is stark.