John 10:13-30

13The man runs because he is a hired hand [who serves only for wages] and is not concerned about the [safety of the] sheep.

14I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me]—

15even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My [very own] life [sacrificing it] for the benefit of the sheep.

16I have other sheep [beside these] that are not of this fold. I must bring those also, and they will listen to My voice and pay attention to My call, and they will become one flock with one Shepherd.

17For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My [own] life so that I may take it back.

18No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down voluntarily. I am authorized and have power to lay it down and to give it up, and I am authorized and have power to take it back. This command I have received from My Father.”

19A division [of opinion] occurred again among the Jews because of these words [of His].

20Many of them said, “He has a demon and He is mad [insane—He raves and rambles]. Why listen to Him?”

21Others were saying, “These are not the words and thoughts of one possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

22At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem.

23It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple [area] in Solomon’s portico.

24So the Jews surrounded Him and began saying to Him, “How long are You going to keep us in suspense? If You are [really] the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), tell us so plainly and openly.”

25Jesus answered them, “I have told you so, yet you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name testify concerning Me [they are My credentials and the evidence declaring who I am].

26But you do not believe Me [so you do not trust and follow Me] because you are not My sheep.

27The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me.

28And I give them eternal life, and they will never, ever [by any means] perish; and no one will ever snatch them out of My hand.

29My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

30I and the Father are One [in essence and nature].”