"I
am the good Shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I
lay down My life for the sheep. 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.
"Therefore,
My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 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 recieved from My Father." (John
10: 14-18)