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I. OLD SCENES REVISITED (ver. 40). Bethany, beyond Jordan, the scene —

1. Of His baptism by the Forerunner.

2. Of His consecration by the Father through the voice of the Dove.

3. Of His showing unto Israel as the Lamb of God.

4. Of his first acquisition of adherents in Andrew, John, Peter, James, Philip and Nathanael.

II. ACCUSTOMED LABOURS PURSUED (ver. 41).

1. With disinterested zeal. Though Christ needed rest, He could Hot resist the silent invitation of the people who flocked towards Him.

2. With unwearied diligence. He neglected no opportunities of doing His Father's work.

3. With practical beneficence. He performed miracles.

III. FRESH TESTIMONIES GAINED (ver. 41).

1. That He was greater than John the Baptist. He did signs which John did not.

2. That John's witness concerning Him had been true (chap. John 5:33-35).

IV. NEW DISCIPLES SECURED (ver. 42).

1. Numerous — "many."

2. Intelligent — actuated by conviction.

3. True. They believed on Him as the Messiah.Lessons —

1. Grateful remembrance of past experiences.

2. Diligent employment of present opportunities.

3. Hopeful expectation of future vindication.

(T. Whitelaw, D. D.)

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KJV: Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

WEB: They sought again to seize him, and he went out of their hand.