15. as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep.
16. But I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd.
17. This is why the Father loves Me, because I am laying down My life so I may take it up again.
18. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from My Father.”
19. Again a division took place among the Jews because of these words.
20. Many of them were saying, “He has a demon and He’s crazy! Why do you listen to Him? ”
21. Others were saying, “These aren’t the words of someone demon-possessed. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind? ”
22. Then the Festival of Dedication took place in Jerusalem, and it was winter.
23. Jesus was walking in the temple complex in Solomon’s Colonnade.
24. Then the Jews surrounded Him and asked, “How long are You going to keep us in suspense? If You are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
25. “I did tell you and you don’t believe,” Jesus answered them. “The works that I do in My Father’s name testify about Me.
26. But you don’t believe because you are not My sheep.
27. My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me.
28. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish — ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand.
29. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
30. The Father and I are one.”
31. Again the Jews picked up rocks to stone Him.