This is an age old argument that can easily be settled if we just look to The Word for the answer. Ironically, it wasn’t either of the two flocks who have been casting blame at one another for centuries.
Read verse 18 carefully. It’s so simple that I’m not even going to elaborate on it.
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine.
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.
17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18 No man taketh 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 commandment have I received of my Father. - John 10:14-18 (KJV)
14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.
18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” - John 10:14-18 (ESV)
Did you catch that?
חסד ושלום עליכם והרבה אהבה וברכות
Grace and Peace Be Upon You and Much Love and Blessings!
So... he decided to lay it down for us?