They brought the man who used to be blind to the Pharisees.

Then the neighbors and the people who had seen him previously as a beggar began saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?”

(Now Judas said this not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money box, he used to steal what was put into it.)

So again they asked the man who used to be blind, “What do you say about him, since he caused you to see?” “He is a prophet,” the man replied.

Then they summoned the man who used to be blind a second time and said to him, “Promise before God to tell the truth. We know that this man is a sinner.”

So the Samaritan woman said to him, “How can you – a Jew – ask me, a Samaritan woman, for water to drink?” (For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.)

Jesus told them this parable, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

His disciples said, “Look, now you are speaking plainly and not in obscure figures of speech!

Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washing, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.

(Now they were asking this in an attempt to trap him, so that they could bring charges against him.) Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground with his finger.

I tell you the solemn truth, when you were young, you tied your clothes around you and went wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will tie you up and bring you where you do not want to go.”

A great number of sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed people were lying in these walkways.

Then they said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he cause you to see?”

Surely you’re not greater than our ancestor Jacob, are you? For he gave us this well and drank from it himself, along with his sons and his livestock.”

The man replied, “This is a remarkable thing, that you don’t know where he comes from, and yet he caused me to see!

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive it, so that your joy may be complete.

Now at the place where Jesus was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden was a new tomb where no one had yet been buried.

Do not work for the food that disappears, but for the food that remains to eternal life – the food which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has put his seal of approval on him.”

At that time you will ask me nothing. I tell you the solemn truth, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.

“I have told you these things in obscure figures of speech; a time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in obscure figures, but will tell you plainly about the Father.