John 10:13-30

13The hired hand is concerned about what he’s going to get paid and not about the sheep.

14“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep as the Father knows me. My sheep know me as I know the Father.

15So I give my life for my sheep.

16I also have other sheep that are not from this pen. I must lead them. They, too, will respond to my voice. So they will be one flock with one shepherd.

17The Father loves me because I give my life in order to take it back again.

18No one takes my life from me. I give my life of my own free will. I have the authority to give my life, and I have the authority to take my life back again. This is what my Father ordered me to do.”

19The Jews were divided because of what Jesus said.

20Many of them said, “He’s possessed by a demon! He’s crazy! Why do you listen to him?”

21Others said, “No one talks like this if he’s possessed by a demon. Can a demon give sight to the blind?”

22The Festival of the Dedication of the Temple took place in Jerusalem during the winter.

23Jesus was walking on Solomon’s porch in the temple courtyard.

24The Jews surrounded him. They asked him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

25Jesus answered them, “I’ve told you, but you don’t believe me. The things that I do in my Father’s name testify on my behalf.

26However, you don’t believe because you’re not my sheep.

27My sheep respond to my voice, and I know who they are. They follow me,

28and I give them eternal life. They will never be lost, and no one will tear them away from me.

29My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than everyone else, and no one can tear them away from my Father.

30The Father and I are one.”