John 10:5-26

⁵They won't follow strangers. In fact they run away from a stranger because they don't recognize the voice of strangers.”

⁶When Jesus gave this illustration those who were listening to him didn't understand what he meant.

⁷So Jesus explained again, “I tell you the truth: I am the gate of the sheepfold.

⁸All those who came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn't listen to them.

⁹I am the gate. Anyone who comes in through me will be healed. They will be able to come and go, and find the food they need.

¹⁰The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I've come to bring you life, life full to overflowing.

¹¹I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

¹²The man paid to look after the sheep is not the shepherd and he runs away when he sees the wolf coming. He abandons the sheep because they're not his, and the wolf attacks and scatters the flock

¹³for the man is only working for pay and doesn't care about the sheep.

¹⁴I am the good shepherd. I know who are mine, and they know me,

¹⁵just as the Father knows me and I know him. I lay down my life for the sheep.

¹⁶I have other sheep that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them too. They will listen to my voice and there will be one flock with one shepherd.

¹⁷This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so I may take it up again.

¹⁸No one takes it from me; I choose to lay it down. I have the right to give it up, and I have the right to take it back. This is the command my Father gave me.”

¹⁹The Jews were again divided in their opinion about Jesus over these words.

²⁰Many of them said, “He's demon-possessed! He's mad! Why are you listening to him?”

²¹Others said, “These aren't the words of someone who's demon-possessed. Besides, a demon can't open eyes that are blind.”

²²It was winter, and the time of the Festival of Dedication in Jerusalem.

²³Jesus was walking in the Temple through Solomon's porch. The Jews surrounded him, asking,

²⁴“How long are you going to keep us hanging in suspense? If you are the Messiah then tell us plainly!”

²⁵Jesus replied, “I already told you but you refuse to believe it. The miracles I do in my Father's name prove who I am.

²⁶You don't believe me because you are not my sheep.