Jesus as the Sheep Gate

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Fourth Week :  Monday*

*Gospel : Jn 10:1-10*

*First Reading : Acts 11:1-18*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 42:2-3; 43:3, 4*

*Jesus as the Sheep Gate*

*1) Jesus as the Only Way to Salvation*

By declaring, *“I am the gate,”* Jesus makes an exclusive claim that, He is not a gate, but the gate. 

This echoes John 14:6, where He says, *“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”*

The imagery of a gate implies a point of access.

Through Jesus alone, we enter into salvation and communion with God.

*2) The Gate to Safety and Provision*

Jesus continues, *“whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.”*

This evokes the image of a shepherd leading sheep to safe pasture—abundant life, security, and provision. 

It reflects Psalm 23:1-2: *“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures…”*

*3) Protection Against Spiritual Threats*

In the ancient Near East, sheepfolds often had no physical gate—the shepherd himself would lie across the opening to protect the sheep. 

Jesus, as the gate, is also the protector, defending us from spiritual danger. 

This contrasts with the *“thieves and robbers”* mentioned earlier in John 10:1, who represent false teachers or deceivers.

*4) An Invitation to Relationship*

The gate is not locked.

Jesus invites all to enter through Him. 

The openness of the gate symbolizes grace. He is accessible to all who respond to His voice. 

As Revelation 3:20 says: *“Behold, I stand at the door and knock…”*

*5) Freedom Within the Fold*

The phrase *“come in and go out”* suggests not only safety but also freedom.

Life in Christ is not confinement but liberation.

In Him, we find rest, direction, and the freedom to live abundantly (John 10:10)

*6)The Gate as a Symbol of Revelation and Access to God*

In John's Gospel, *access to God* is a recurring theme, and Jesus is constantly portrayed as the one who reveals the Father (cf. John 1:18). 

The gate, then, signifies Jesus as the one through whom we come to know and experience God. 

He is the passage from spiritual blindness to enlightenment

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*