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Come Follow Me 2023: John 2–4
Scripture Block

John 2–4

February 6–12
“Ye Must Be Born Again”

Scripture Central Videos

Watch videos from Gospel scholars and teachers to learn more about these New Testament passages. Scripture Central produces weekly videos from Tyler Griffin, Taylor Halverson, Clint Mortenson, John Hilton III, and Lynne Hilton Wilson.

Other Creator Videos

Commentary

The New Testament Minute is a commentary series made especially for the free ScripturePlus app, which features insights from New Testament scholars. many of the insights in the New Testament Minute are gleaned from the BYU New Testament Commentary series. Lynne Hilton Wilson has written a commentary to supplement her New Testament video series.

cover of New Testament Minute: John
Jackson Abhau
John W. Welch, General Editor

Reading Plan

Structure your personal scripture study by following a 15-minute, day-by-day plan. Each day's assignment includes the required scripture passages from the Come, Follow Me curriculum, as well as suggestions for additional resources to bring context and understanding to your study. For the best experience, use our Reading Plan in the free ScripturePlus app! You can track your progress and have access to the best resources.

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Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Joseph Smith Translation Variants

Explore Joseph Smith's inspired translation of the bible by comparing his changes to the King James Version of the New Testament. To learn more, see Joseph Smith's Translation of the Bible: The Joseph Smith Translation and the King James Translation in Parallel Columns.

John 2 JST Variants

KJV

JST

(1) And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

(1) And on the third day of the week there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

(2) And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

(2) And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

(3) And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

(3) And when they wanted wine, his mother said unto him, They have no wine.

(4) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

(4) Jesus said unto her, Woman, what wilt thou have me to do for thee? That will I do, for mine hour is not yet come.

(5) His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

(5) His mother said unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, see that ye do it.

(6) And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

(6) And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

(7) Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

(7) Jesus said unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

(8) And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

(8) And he said, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare unto him.

(9) When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

(9) When the governor of the feast had tasted the water which was made wine (he knew not whence it was, but the servants who drew the water knew), the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

(10) And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

(10) And said unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

(11) This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

(11) This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory. And the faith of his disciples was strengthened in him.

(14) And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

(14) And found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

(16) And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.

(16) And said unto them who sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house a house of merchandise.

(17) And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

(17) And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up.

(18) Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

(18) Then spake the Jews and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

(22) When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

(22) When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they remembered the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said unto them.

(23) Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

(23) Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover on the feast day, many believed on his name when they saw the miracles which he did.

(24) But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

(24) But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all things.

John 3 JST Variants

KJV

JST

(2) The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

(2) The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles which thou doest, except God be with him.

(4) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

(4) Nicodemus said unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

(5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

(5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

(8) The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

(8) The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.

(10) Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

(10) Jesus answered and said, unto him Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

(12) If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

(12) If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

(13) And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

(13) I tell you, no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he who came down from heaven—even the Son of Man, who is in heaven.

(15) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

(15) That whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

(16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

(16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

(18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

(18) He who believeth on him is not condemned: but he who believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God, which before was preached by the mouth of the holy prophets, for they testified of me.

(19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

(19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.

(20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

(20) For everyone who doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

(21) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

(21) But he who loveth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest. And he who obeyeth the truth, the works which he doeth, they are of God.

(26) And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

(26) And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he who was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and he receiveth of all people who come unto him.

(29) He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

(29) He who hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, who standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy is therefore fulfilled.

(31) He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

(31) He who cometh cometh from above is above all: he who is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth. He who cometh from heaven is above all.

(32) And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

(32) And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and but few men receive his testimony.

(33) He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

(33) He who hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

(34) For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

(34) For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth him not the Spirit by measure, for he dwelleth in him, even the fullness.

(35) The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

(35) The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hands.

(36) He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

(36) And he who believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and shall receive of his fullness, but he who believeth not the Son shall not receive of his fullness, for the wrath of God is upon him.

John 4 JST Variants

KJV

JST

(1) When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

(1) When therefore the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, they sought more diligently some means that they might put him to death. For many received John as a prophet, but they believed not on Jesus.

(2) (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

(2) Now the Lord knew this, though he himself baptized not so many as his disciples, for he suffered them for an example, preferring one another.

(3) He left Judæa, and departed again into Galilee.

(3) And he left Judea, and departed again into Galilee.

(4) And he must needs go through Samaria.

(4) And saith unto his disciples, I must needs go through Samaria.

(5) Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

(5) Then cometh he to the city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground which Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

(6) Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

(6) The place where Jacob’s well was. Now Jesus therefore being weary with his journey, it being about the sixth hour, sat down on the well.

(7) There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

(7) And there came a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus said unto her, Give me to drink.

(8) (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

(8) Now his disciples were gone away into the city to buy meat.

(9) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

(9) Wherefore, he being alone, the woman of Samaria said unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, asketh drink of me, who am a woman of Samaria? For The Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

(10) Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

(10) Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is who saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

(11) The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

(11) The woman said unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

(12) Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

(12) Art thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

(13) Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

(13) Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever shall drink of this well shall thirst again:

(14) But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

(14) But whosoever drinketh of the water which I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

(15) The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

(15) The woman said unto him, Sir, give me of this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

(16) Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

(16) Jesus said unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

(19) The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

(19) The woman said unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

(21) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

(21) Jesus said unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

(22) Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

(22) Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship, and salvation is of the Jews.

(23) But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

(23) And the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

(24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

(24) For unto such hath God promised His Spirit, and they who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

(25) The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

(25) The woman said unto him, I know that Messias cometh, who is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

(26) Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

(26) Jesus said unto her, I who speak unto thee am the Messias.

(29) Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

(29) Come, see a man who told me all things that I have ever done. Is not this the Christ?

(31) In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

(31) In the meantime, his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

(33) Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?

(33) Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him meat to eat?

(34) Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

(34) Jesus said unto them, My meat is to do the will of him who sent me, and to finish his work.

(35) Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

(35) Say not ye, There are yet four months and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

(36) And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

(36) And he who reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he who soweth and he who reapeth may rejoice together.

(38) I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

(38) I have sent you to reap that whereon ye have bestowed no labour. The prophets have laboured and ye have entered into their labours.

(39) And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

(39) And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, who testified, saying, He told me all that I have ever done.

(42) And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

(42) And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying. for We have heard for ourselves and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

(45) Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilæans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

(45) Then when he had come into Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen all the things which he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

(47) When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judæa into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

(47) When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

(49) The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.

(49) The nobleman said unto him, Sir, come down before my child die.

(50) Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

(50) Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word which Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

(51) And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.

(51) And as he was now going down to his house his servants met him, and spake, saying, Thy son liveth.

(53) So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

(53) So the father knew that his son was healed in the same hour in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

(54) This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judæa into Galilee.

(54) This being the second miracle which Jesus had done when he had come out of Judea into Galilee.

 

Reading Resources

John 2

Lynne Wilson, "John 2-3," Come Follow Me Commentary: The New Testament, 2019.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Chapter 22: John 2–4,” New Testament Student Manual (2018), accessed January 17, 2019.

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders Among You,” LDS General Conference April 2016.

John 3

Mosiah 5:1–8; Mosiah 27:23–31; Alma 5:14–19

Lynne Wilson, "John 2-3," Come Follow Me Commentary: The New Testament, 2019.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Chapter 22: John 2–4,” New Testament Student Manual (2018), accessed January 17, 2019.

Jeffrey M. Bradshaw and Matthew L. Bowen, “‘By the Blood Ye Are Sanctified’: The Symbolic, Salvific, Interrelated, Additive, Retrospective, and Anticipatory Nature of the Ordinances of Spiritual Rebirth in John 3 and Moses 6,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 24 (2017): 123-316.

William S. Bradshaw, "Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost,” Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 1, ed. Daniel H. Ludlow (New York: Macmillan, 1992), accessed January 17, 2019.

Lynne H. Wilson, “A New Pneumatology: Comparing Joseph Smith's Doctrine of the Spirit with His Contemporaries and the Bible,” BYU Studies Quarterly 51, no. 1 (2012): 119–152, accessed January 17, 2019.

Robert L. Millett, "Joseph Smith Encounters Calvinism," BYU Studies 50, no. 4 (2011): 4-32, accessed January 17, 2019.

Noel B. Reynolds, “Understanding Christian Baptism through the Book of Mormon,” BYU Studies, Vol. 51, no. 2 (2012): 4–37, accessed January 17, 2019.

Sidney R. Sandstrom, "Nicodemus: Coward or Convert?" Religious Educator 9, no. 3 (2008): 49–62.

Brent L. Top, “Spiritual Rebirth: Have Ye Been Born of God?” in The Book of Mormon and the Message of the Four Gospels, ed. Ray L. Huntington and Terry B. Ball (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2001), 201–217.

Keith J. Wilson, “The Message of Nicodemus,” Religious Educator 1, no. 1 (2000): 57-70.

David A. Bednar, “Ye Must Be Born Again,” LDS General Conference April 2007.

John 4

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Chapter 22: John 2–4,” New Testament Student Manual (2018), accessed January 17, 2019.

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders Among You,” LDS General Conference April 2016.

Dean M. Davies, “The Blessings of Worship,” LDS General Conference October 2016.