by Kala Loptien
The Good Shepherd
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“But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”
John 10:2-3 English Standard Version
Gates are an important component. They function to both allow and deny access to what’s beyond. In both Old and New Testament days, gatekeepers served an important role. They were often guards — entrusted to protect a city, a ruler or sacred spaces like the temple. Gatekeepers were given the authority to discern who could pass through.
In John, chapter 10, Jesus reveals that He is the Good Shepherd. The Lord is the Gatekeeper, opening the way for Jesus. The Good Shepherd leads His sheep through that gate. His flock knows His voice and follows. Jesus is preaching here with the Pharisees in the crowd. It says plainly that they did not understand what He was saying (John 10:6). He says in John 10:9, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” We can infer that there were those listening who heard their Shepherd’s voice and believed that He was indeed their Savior. What we know for sure is there were those in the crowd who did not recognize what was being said or who was speaking.
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Any other teaching or claim is a lie. A myriad of other voices have been vying for the attention of humanity since the beginning. We have been forewarned that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. But He came so that we may have life — abundant life! His life and sacrifice on the cross flung wide the gate, leading the way to eternal life for all those who believe.
Lord, I pray that you would continue to draw us. May we ask, seek and knock with confidence. Keep us steadfast as we listen to the voice of our Good Shepherd, following with the faith you’ve so graciously given.
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
