18. No one takes it away from Me. On the contrary, I lay it down voluntarily. [I put it from Myself.] I am authorized and have power to lay it down (to resign it) and I am authorized and have power to take it back again. These are the instructions (orders) which I have received [as My charge] from My Father.
19. Then a fresh division of opinion arose among the Jews because of His saying these things.
20. And many of them said, He has a demon and He is mad (insane–He raves, He rambles). Why do you listen to Him?
21. Others argued, These are not the thoughts and the language of one possessed. Can a demon-possessed person open blind eyes?
22. After this the Feast of Dedication [of the reconsecration of the temple] was taking place at Jerusalem. It was winter,
23. And Jesus was walking in Solomon's Porch in the temple area.
24. So the Jews surrounded Him and began asking Him, How long are You going to keep us in doubt and suspense? If You are really the Christ (the Messiah), tell us so plainly and openly.
25. Jesus answered them, I have told you so, yet you do not believe Me [you do not trust Me and rely on Me]. The very works that I do by the power of My Father and in My Father's name bear witness concerning Me [they are My credentials and evidence in support of Me].
26. But you do not believe and trust and rely on Me because you do not belong to My fold [you are no sheep of Mine].
27. The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.
28. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand.
29. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all [else]; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father's hand.
30. I and the Father are One.
31. Again the Jews brought up stones to stone Him.
32. Jesus said to them, My Father has enabled Me to do many good deeds. [I have shown many acts of mercy in your presence.] For which of these do you mean to stone Me?
33. The Jews replied, We are not going to stone You for a good act, but for blasphemy, because You, a mere Man, make Yourself [out to be] God.