John 10:1-17 Parable of the Good Shepherd

I ASSURE you, most solemnly I tell you, he who does not enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way (elsewhere, from some other quarter) is a thief and a robber.

But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

The watchman opens the door for this man, and the sheep listen to his voice and heed it; and he calls his own sheep by name and brings (leads) them out.

When he has brought his own sheep outside, he walks on before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.

They will never [on any account] follow a stranger, but will run away from him because they do not know the voice of strangers or recognize their call.

Jesus used this parable (illustration) with them, but they did not understand what He was talking about.

So Jesus said again, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that I Myself am the Door [a]for the sheep.

All others who came [as such] before Me are thieves and robbers, but the [true] sheep did not listen to and obey them.

I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows).

I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep.(A)

But the hired servant (he who merely serves for wages) who is neither the shepherd nor the owner of the sheep, when he sees the wolf coming, deserts the flock and runs away. And the wolf chases and snatches them and scatters [the flock].

Now the hireling flees because he merely serves for wages and is not himself concerned about the sheep [cares nothing for them].

I am the Good Shepherd; and I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognize Me--

Even as [truly as] the Father knows Me and I also know the Father--and I am giving My [very own] life and laying it down on behalf of the sheep.

And I have other sheep [beside these] that are not of this fold. I must bring and [c]impel those also; and they will listen to My voice and heed My call, and so there will be [they will become] one flock under one Shepherd.(B)

For this [reason] the Father loves Me, because I lay down My [own] life--to take it back again.