With the smell of incense and animal sacrifice wafting over the courtyard by the Temple, Jesus tells a fervently religious crowd that they will die in their sin. He diagnoses the state of their hearts: they plan to crucify him. In response, they speculate whether Jesus plans to kill himself. Their rejection of Jesus cannot be indifferent. Their unbelief must be sealed by his death. Jesus describes their condition as the ordinary, habitual way of life from below, or the way of the world. But he is on a different trajectory. As he looks into their murderous eyes, he reveals his heart: he always does what pleases his Father. He's so alive in love that he will allow them to lift him up to die. In putting it this way, he alludes to the prophecy of Isaiah, who foretold that the Messiah would be lifted up to glory. The dying ones kill, and the living one dies. I thought I was such an impressive person that I despised my friend. But his humility, forgiveness, prayers, and faithful love showed me who was closer to God. I just couldn't see it. They ask, "Who are you?" Jesus reminds them that he's told them many times, and they have responded by accusing him of blasphemy, judging that he should die, and planning to kill him. He knows their unbelief can only be healed if he endures public humiliation and an agonizing death. So in his Father's presence, he steps forward in love.