John 10:16-21

¹⁶ And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

¹⁷ “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again.

¹⁸ No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”

¹⁹ Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings.

²⁰ And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?”

²¹ Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

other sheep (v. 16) — not the Church because Paul said the mystery had never before been revealed. So … this could be a reference to Gentiles who will be blessed through Israel, as during the Millennium.

not of this fold (v. 16) — fold (here) refers to the wall encompassing Israel.

one flock (v. 16) — outside the wall, outside the law.

I lay down My life (v. 17) — Unlike us, Christ did not have to die. He wasn’t under the curse. The Jews and Romans were the means of Christ’s death, but His own will was the reason.

That He said “I will take it up” (v. 18) is saying “I am God.”

from My Father (v. 18) — His authority to die and rise again came from the Father. Christ raised Himself. The Father raised Him (Romans 6:4). The Spirit raised Him (Romans 8:11). Philippians 2:8

division (v. 19) — among the Jews (Isaiah 8:14)

open the eyes of the blind (v. 21) — a sign of the Messiah (Isaiah 35:5).

Death is the first step in glorification (John 12:23-24).