They took the stone away. Jesus looked up and said, "I thank you, Father, that you listen to me.

I know that you always listen to me, but I say this for the sake of the people here, so that they will believe that you sent me."

We know that God does not listen to sinners; he does listen to people who respect him and do what he wants them to do.

"Yes," said Jesus, "if you yourself can! Everything is possible for the person who has faith."

It was faith that made Abraham offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice when God put Abraham to the test. Abraham was the one to whom God had made the promise, yet he was ready to offer his only son as a sacrifice.

Abraham reckoned that God was able to raise Isaac from death---and, so to speak, Abraham did receive Isaac back from death.

The Father loves his Son and has put everything in his power.

Nor does the Father himself judge anyone. He has given his Son the full right to judge,

"I am telling you the truth: those who hear my words and believe in him who sent me have eternal life. They will not be judged, but have already passed from death to life.

Just as the Father is himself the source of life, in the same way he has made his Son to be the source of life.

For you gave him authority over all people, so that he might give eternal life to all those you gave him.

Ask, and I will give you all the nations; the whole earth will be yours.

Jesus drew near and said to them, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.