Again, his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him,but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”
“We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’?If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside—what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” Again, they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.
Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus. (New International Version)
There are all kinds of idioms (a phrase whose meaning cannot be discerned by the words themselves) about something that is truly genuine, not fake:
“The proof is in the pudding.” (that is, the pudding might look good and delicious, but the real test is in the eating of it)
“Put your money where your mouth is.” (do something rather than just talk about it; use your own resources and abilities if it’s so important to you)
“I’ll believe it when I see it.” (your story sounds incredible; I need to experience it myself)
Jesus had the actions to back up his words. He is “the real McCoy.” (authentic)
But his opponents apparently “dug their heels in.” (they’ve already got their minds made up about him)
Seems like many of the religious leaders, back in Christ’s day, saw Jesus as nothing more than a “cock and bull story.” (ridiculous and implausible)
But, as it turns out, those leaders “don’t have a clue.” (they’re ignorant)
Sheesh. “Don’t get me started.” (if I talk about this silliness, I might not stop)
And Jesus wasn’t about to “idiot proof” (be understandable to people who don’t really want to understand to begin with) his life and teaching because the evidence was right there “under their noses.” (they failed to notice even though they should have)
Jesus wasn’t about to kick back and “shoot the breeze” (to chat idly, casually, and without purpose about unimportant and ordinary things) with these guys. It’s not why he came.
The Lord knew their hearts, and so, he knew when to “get out of Dodge.” (leaving quickly to avoid a dangerous situation)
His opponents were “as mad as a wet hen.” (enraged)
Christ understood that neither their acceptance nor their rejection of his ministry was “worth a plug nickel.” (no value, at all; completely worthless)
But he didn’t skedaddle before “putting them in their place.” (exposing their duplicity and lack of faith)
If it were me, I’d probably “open a can of whoop-ass.” (verbally beat them up)
Yet, Jesus, ever the gracious one, is “gentle as a lamb.” (gets his point across without violence)
The amazing love of Christ chose to “pay the piper.” (bear the consequences for the sins of the people)
“Your mission, should you choose to accept it,” (a catchphrase from the show, “Mission Impossible”) is to take an honest look at Jesus.
I think you will find it’s a “no-brainer.” (it’s easier than you might think)
That’s because Jesus is “straight as an arrow.” (you can trust him)
It does no good to keep Jesus “at arm’s length.” (maintain emotional distance to avoid familiarity or intimacy)
It’s best to accept Jesus as he is. Otherwise, you’ll find you “have a tiger by the tail.” (there’s no way to manage or control him)
“Honest to God.” (emphasizing that something is really true)
Well, there you have it, “from the horse’s mouth.” (this information is coming directly from the person with the experience and knowledge of the situation)
I’m a true believer. “Happy as a lark.” (Very excited and delighted)
Lord Jesus, I just want you to know that “I’m your Huckleberry.” (I’m your person for whatever job you want done)
“Amen to that.” (I agree)
