"... Early Christians searched the scriptures to find meaning in Jesus’ death. According to Donald Juel, their findings emerged from “messianic exegesis.” Following the rule of gezerah shewah, they interpreted passages reminiscent of Jesus in light of acknowledged messianic texts. This study focuses on twelve explicit christological citations in the Fourth Gospel: Exodus 12:46; Psalm 22:18; 34:20; 41:9; 69:4, 9, 21; 118:25–26; Isaiah 6:10; 40:3; 53:1; and Zechariah 9:9; 12:10. Johannine exegetes could have used “messianic exegesis” to justify interpreting them as prophecies about Jesus. The evidence that suggests that they did. Psalms 22; 69; 118 and Isaiah 52:13—53:12 - standard Christian proof texts - can be interpreted in light of a messianic psalm, Psalm 89. Messianic exegesis extends from them to Exodus 12; Psalm 34; 41; 118; Isaiah 6:1–10; and Zechariah 9:9; 12:0. John’s tandem quotations share significant catchwords, with each other and with Psalm 22. Furthermore, John’s narrative emphasizes catchwords like come, eyes, see, hate, lift up, and glorify. Apparently, John has searched the scriptures and found a Messiah who comes into the world, opening blind eyes but hated by those who cannot see. In the end, he is lifted up and glorified - on a Roman cross ..."