The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
5 They won't follow a stranger's voice but will scatter because they aren't used to the sound of it."
5
But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”
6 Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about.
6
Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.
7 So he tried again. "I'll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep.
7
Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.
8 All those others are up to no good - sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn't listen to them.
8
All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.
9 I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for - will freely go in and out, and find pasture.
9
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.They will come in and go out, and find pasture.
10 A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
11 "I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary.
11
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
12 A hired man is not a real shepherd. The sheep mean nothing to him. He sees a wolf come and runs for it, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf.
12
The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.
13 He's only in it for the money. The sheep don't matter to him.
13
The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 "I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me.
14
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
15 In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary.
15
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.