Herd Instinct

14 "I am the Good Shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep 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 are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to My voice, and there shall be one flock and one Shepherd. 17 The reason My Father loves Me is that I lay down My life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father."

19 At these words the Jews were again divided. 20 Many of them said, "He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to Him?"

21 But others said, "These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"

22 Then came the Feast of Dedication [a] at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. 24 The Jews gathered around Him, saying, "How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, [b] tell us plainly."

25 Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in My Father's name speak for Me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not My sheep. 27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all [c]; no one can snatch them out of My Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are One."

-John 10:14-30