John 10:17-28

English Standard Version

^17 (A)For this reason the Father loves me, ^(B)because ^(C)I lay down my life that I may take it up again. ^18 (D)No one takes it from me, but ^(E)I lay it down ^(F)of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and ^(G)I have authority to take it up again. ^(H)This charge I have received from my Father.”

^19 (I)There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. ²⁰ Many of them said, ^(J)“He has a demon, and ^(K)is insane; why listen to him?” ²¹ Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. ^(L)Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

I and the Father Are One

²² At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, ²³ and Jesus was walking in the temple, ^(M)in the colonnade of Solomon. ²⁴ So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are ^(N)the Christ, ^(O)tell us plainly.” ²⁵ Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. ^(P)The works that I do ^(Q)in my Father's name bear witness about me, ²⁶ but ^(R)you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. ^27 (S)My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. ^28 (T)I give them eternal life, and ^(U)they will never perish, and ^(V)no one will snatch them out of my hand.