SUMMARY
Jesus identifies himself as the gate that leads to salvation for whoever enters by him.
ANALYSIS
Earlier in John 10, JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. More describes a sheepfold, which was a circular enclosure, often made of stones. In ordinary practice, sheep were brought into the fold at night so that they would be protected from predators and thieves. During the day, the sheep were taken out of the fold to graze in the pasture. The sheepfold is a metaphor for the people of God. By identifying himself as the gateGates are openings in walls or fences for entrance and departure. In the Bible (as in Ruth and the prophets) the city gate was a commercial center where business and social transactions took place. In Amos the gate is the location of the law court... More or door, Jesus indicates that those who believe in him belong to a wider community. This imagery functions to interpret the healing of the man born blind as Jesus does not stop talking in 9:41. The meaning of the healing of the man born blind carries over into the imagery of Jesus as the gate and the shepherd. By believing in Jesus, people become sheep of Jesus’ fold. The pattern of going in and out of the sheepfold emphasizes the abundant life Jesus provides (10:10). Jesus as the gate both protects the sheep and enables them to go out and find pasture.
