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
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 sheep and my sheep know me—
15
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
17
The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.
18
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
19
The Jews who heard these words were again divided.
20
Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?”
21
But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Further Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims
22 Then came the Festival of Dedication[a] at Jerusalem. It was winter,