16
I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.
17
“The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again.
18
No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”
19
When he said these things, the people were again divided in their opinions about him.
20
Some said, “He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?”
21
Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
22
It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication.
23
He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon’s Colonnade.
24
The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
25
Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name.
26
But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep.