And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people — the crowd divides over Jesus's identity, some calling him 'good' (agathos), others calling him a deceiver (planos, misleader). The division over Jesus (krisis) is John's central theme: his presence creates judgment, forcing a choice. The accusation that he 'deceives the people' likely echoes the charge that he led people astray from the Law and traditions. Yet the very division attests to Jesus's significance—no one is indifferent.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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