John 10:17
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The reason the Father loves Me is that I lay down My life in order to take it up again.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, &c.--As the highest act of the Son's love to the Father was the laying down of His life for the sheep at His "commandment," so the Father's love to Him as His incarnate Son reaches its consummation, and finds its highest justification, in that sublimest and most affecting of all acts. that I might take it again--His resurrection-life being indispensable to the accomplishment of the fruit of His death.
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. Christ's parabolical discourse concerning himself as the door of the sheepfold, and the shepherd of the sheep (v. 1-18). II. The various sentiments of people upon it (Joh 10:19-21). III. The dispute Christ had with the Jews in the temple at the feast of dedication (v. 22-39). IV. His departure into the country thereupon (Joh 10:40-42).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.”
just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
“Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.
Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.
The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious.