Jesus is both shepherd and gate. We are sheep and we are to listen to the voice of Jesus and follow our good shepherd to green pastures and abundant life but there are still are thieves and bandits who seek to kill and destroy. But Jesus is also our gate. Jesus is how we tell if someone can be trusted to care for the flock. A faithful shepherd is someone who Jesus would let through the gate.

We are called to be the kind of shepherd that Jesus would let through the gate for the good of all the sheep.