16. I have other sheep that are not in this flock here. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd.
17. The Father loves me because I give my life. I give my life so that I can take it back again.
18. No one takes it away from me. I give my own life freely. I have the right to give my life, and I have the right to take it back. This is what my Father commanded me to do.”
19. Again the Jews did not agree with each other because of these words Jesus said.
20. Many of them said, “A demon has come into him and made him crazy. Why listen to him?”
21. But others said, “A man who is crazy with a demon does not say things like this. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
22. The time came for the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. This was during the winter.
23. Jesus was walking in the Temple in Solomon’s Porch.
24. The Jews gathered around him and said, “How long will you make us wonder about you? If you are the Christ, then tell us plainly.”
25. Jesus answered, “I told you already, but you did not believe. I do miracles in my Father’s name. Those miracles show who I am.
26. But you don’t believe because you are not my sheep.
27. My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me.
28. I give them eternal life, and they will never die. And no person can steal them out of my hand.
29. My Father gave my sheep to me. He is greater than all, and no person can steal my sheep out of my Father’s hand.