How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #1
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away — and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. (NRSV 10:11-12)
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. (KJV 10:11-12)
Jesus has a lot at stake with these sheep—they're his, after all, and he's willing to sacrifice himself to save them. Is this parental love in action? Or is it something different?
Quote #2
"For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again." (NRSV 10:17)
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. (KJV 10:17)
Because Jesus willingly goes to his death, he'll also be able to overcome it. Sound like the end of any other books you've read lately?
Quote #3
"Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life." (NRSV 12:25)
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. (KJV 12:25)
According to Jesus, if you're willing to sacrifice everything you have in this life and turn your back on the ways of the world, you can have a better life with God. For some people, this is a tough pill to swallow.