“I am the Gate. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9 CSB

Sheep are needy creatures. They are prone to wander off and find themselves in threatening and intractable situations. Without the watchful care and attention provided by shepherds, sheep would be unable to get out of the predicaments in which they frequently find themselves.

In biblical times, sheep were a primary source of wealth, food, and trade. The owner of a small flock counted his sheep, searched for any that were missing, and protected them at night in a corral or enclosure. Such enclosures had a gate through which the flock would enter in the evening and go out in the morning. Pasture during the day and protection during the night – made possible by passing through the gate.

Jesus, using this common cultural image of shepherding, described Himself as the Gate through which His followers would be saved and find abundant spiritual nourishment.

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 NASB