The Good Shepherd

A sheepfold is a courtyard bordered by a stone wall wherein one or more families keep their sheep during ancient Israel times. It provides shelter and protection for the sheep against thieves, robbers, and wolves. The only opening of the sheepfold is a door guarded by the gatekeeper or the shepherd. When Jesus refers to Himself as the gate, or in other translations, the door of the sheep, He is using a metaphor for His listeners to easily relate.

Jesus is the only door for us to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus is the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). This means that we can only become part of the people of God through Him. Not through our sacrifices, tithes, good deeds, or rituals.

There are many scriptures in the New Testament wherein they used the word “door” or “gate” as the passage to enter the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 7, it says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you (v. 7)” as well as “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many (v. 13).”

To what kind of door is your life leading to? Is it a door that leads to eternal life? Jesus says that anyone who goes through Him will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture (v. 9). His invitation is always open. Are you willing to accept Jesus in your life?