14
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
15
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.
16
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
17
For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.
18
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.