So he explained it to them. “I assure you, I am the gate for the sheep, “ he said. “All others who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures.”
(John 10:7-9 NLT)
A gate is used to keep people in and to also keep people out. It is the dividing line between protection and vulnerability. It sets clear boundaries of what is accepted and what is not.
In the passage above, Jesus is emphasizing that He is our boundary of protection, our guard who keeps us safe from evil that would harm us. He leads us, His sheep, to green pastures where our needs are met. He is the true Shepherd and we can trust Him in everything.
The only safe place for a sheep is by the side of his shepherd, because the devil does not fear sheep; he just fears the Shepherd.— A. W. Tozer