96 J. Duncan M. Derrett 6,38.39.40). The “works”39 include the course of teaching which, as it turns out, is ascetic (a moral athleticism)40 challenging to every hearer. Those who already know God’s will can recognize its validity (17,6-8). Those who do not know the Father, or the Son, or the relationship between them cannot treat this embassy seriously41. Yet if the X-Y-Z nexus works a gift is offered to them (l5,16). Jesus has made every effort to establish his credentials (11,42; 15,l6), and his discretion (κρίσις 5,22.27) runs to a comment on their state of mind. If they refuse his credentials they are liable to die in their sin42. The opposition refuse the credentials of a messenger who brings so uncomfortable a message (cf. Jer 18,l8). It is admitted that miracles can be done by no one who has not God on his side43, if they are genuine –and he relies on them. The miracles and teaching are tendered as a package. Moses was Yahweh’s agent (Ex 3,10.14; 4,13); but the miracles which convinced (Gen 3,15) the Jews in Egypt (Gen 4,30-31) would not impress Pharaoh’s magicians (Ex 7,11-12): they could be worked by evil spirits. The teaching could be dismissed as insane and obsessive (Jn 7,20; 10,21). Failure to see aright is no doubt equivalent to blindness (9,41) –and of course blindness disqualifies judges44, How provoking! But the Pharisees here stand for sceptics the world over, whom John has caricatured. The miracles and teaching coincide with God’s will; Je- sus has carried out his instructions without deviation and does his best to induce the deaf to hear (5,30; 8,16). If the Pharisees as a cadre are delinquent, many individuals were indeed persuaded (2,11.24; 4,39-41.53; 6,69; 7,30). The metaphor of agency, biblical in origin, suggested Jesus’ claim to be God’s Son (Mt 17,5 was required to complete Mt 3,17; 12,18). But this was dust in the eyes (Jn 5,l8; 10,33; 19,7) of superficial observers (7,24; 8,15) whose unfortunate dilemma must have been exemplified in every land to which John’s work penetrated. Jesus’s agency was, he said anticipated by Moses’ (5,45-47). Masters of interpretation, the Pharisees determined to remove Jesus as an embarrassment. If he had offered himself A dominant idea: cf. Jn 5,36; 9,3-4; 10,25; 14,10-11. Actions may well testify: Mt 8,4; 39 Mk 6,11; Lk 9,5- Cf. Ps 95,7-11; 90,l6; Num 14,22-23. “Works” can include words: 2 Tim 4,5. J.D.M. Derrett, “Primitive Christianity as an Ascetic Movement”, in V.L.Wimbush 40 and R. Valantasis (eds) Asceticism (New York and Oxford 1995) Ch. 8. Jn 3,35; 8,19; 10,15.17. 41 Jn 3,36; cf. 8,21.24. 42 Jn 3,2; 9,31-33. 43 Maimonides, Code XIV.II. ix, 1.12; xvi,4. 44