John 10:15-21 (ESVST)
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
As a continuation of our last message, Jesus is still arguing with the Pharisees and we are at a point were Jesus was telling them that, he is a good shepherd unlike them who have failed to shepherd Israel flock properly. Jesus in the above verse indicated that he knows God and God knows him and he is the kind of shepherd who lays his life down for his sheep. Jesus told them that there were other sheep who are also his sheep and he must bring these also into the fold. Jesus here is referring to the Gentiles or non Jews. These are you and me.
17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may 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 I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
Jesus told them that God loves him because he lays down his life and he may take it up again. Jesus refers to his death and resurrection. Jesus made it clear to them that no one takes his life from him but he lays it down of his own accord. Jesus went on to tell them that he has authority to lay it down and to take it up again. Jesus told that this charge or commandment, he has recieved from God. Jesus meant that it is God who commanded him to give his life and take if back again.
19 There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” 21 Others said, “ These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
As it has happened previously, Jesus words again created confusion among the Jews.