¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father^(A)—and I lay down my life for the sheep.^(B)

¹⁷ The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life^(A)—only to take it up again.

¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.^(A) I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”^(B)

² fixing our eyes on Jesus,^(A) the pioneer^(B) and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,^(C) scorning its shame,^(D) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.^(E)