In the communities of ancient Israel, local shepherds kept their flocks in one large sheepfold. Combining their resources, they paid a gatekeeper to stay with the sheep overnight. And in the morning, this gatekeeper opened the door to those who owned the sheep. But how would a shepherd gather his own flock from among this mixed multitude? He would simply begin to talk, calling out the names of his own sheep. Each sheep knew the voice of its master and responded to him; but a stranger they would not follow. This is how intimately our Lord cares for us. He knows us, loves us, and “calls His own sheep by name.” Every day you are surrounded by people at work, school, or church. How can you tell which ones truly belong to Jesus? It’s not all that complicated. They are the ones who respond to Jesus’ call and obey His Word. “The sheep follow Him, for they know His voice” (v 1-6). But there was another kind of sheep pen that was not public, and not located in the villages. It was in the countryside, where shepherds would keep their flocks in good weather—perhaps a cave, or a short wall made of piled rocks. At nightfall, sheep were driven into this pen through a small open space, or gate. But how would a shepherd keep other wild animals out? By lying down across the opening. He would sleep there, literally becoming the gate! So Jesus is not only the shepherd, coming to the gate to lead the flock out. He is also the gate, through which the flock is led in. False teachers have always opposed Jesus, proposing other gates. But there is no other way of coming into God’s true sheepfold. Only those enter by the door of God’s Son receive the benefits of His comprehensive care and bountiful provision. Though Jesus is the exclusive entrance to eternal life, He extends an inclusive, universal invitation: anyone may enter, without exception. Whoever does so “will be saved.” This includes not only a deliverance from God’s future wrath, but also the experience of an “abundant life” here and now. “Abundant” means beyond what is necessary, exceeding all expectation. This is the kind of life our Good Shepherd provides for His flock. He feeds them with His Word, and they are content and well-nourished, free of all fears (v 7-10). If you hear Christ calling to you, respond to His voice quickly. He is the Good Shepherd, who willingly died and rose on behalf of all who would turn from their sins and come to Him in faith (v 11-18). And He is a strong defender, guarding each of His sheep by holding them securely in His hand (v 27-30). For further meditation: