¹⁷ The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life^(A)—only to take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.^(B) I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”^(C)

¹⁹ The Jews who heard these words were again divided.^{(D) 20} Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed^(E) and raving mad.^(F) Why listen to him?”

²¹ But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon.^(G) Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”^(H)

Further Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims

²² Then came the Festival of Dedication^[a] at Jerusalem. It was winter, ²³ and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.^{(I) 24} The Jews^(J) who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”^(K)

²⁵ Jesus answered, “I did tell you,^(L) but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me,^{(M) 26} but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.^{(N) 27} My sheep listen to my voice; I know them,^(O) and they follow me.^{(P) 28} I give them eternal life,^(Q) and they shall never perish;^(R) no one will snatch them out of my hand.^(S)