14
"I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own 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.
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You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They'll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd.
17
This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay down my life. And so I am free to take it up again.
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No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down; I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority personally from my Father."
19
This kind of talk caused another split in the Jewish ranks.
20
A lot of them were saying, "He's crazy, a maniac - out of his head completely. Why bother listening to him?"
21
But others weren't so sure: "These aren't the words of a crazy man. Can a 'maniac' open blind eyes?"
22
They were celebrating Hanukkah just then in Jerusalem. It was winter.
23
Jesus was strolling in the Temple across Solomon's Porch.
24
The Jews, circling him, said, "How long are you going to keep us guessing? If you're the Messiah, tell us straight out."