The shepherd gives his life for the sheep. Read John 10:7-13. The goal of a disciple is to be like Jesus. Just as sheep follow the voice of the shepherd, disciples follow the voice of Jesus. When we are passionate about following Jesus, we are less likely to stray. In today’s passage, Jesus said, “I am the gate for the sheep.” Then he said, “I am the good shepherd.” For years I viewed these two statements as two different things. Somewhere along the way I learned that the shepherd was the gate. When I went to Israel, I got to see it for myself. The shepherd led the sheep each day to find vegetation to eat. At the end of the day, the shepherd would lead them into a cave. During the night, the shepherd slept at the entrance of the cave, keeping both the sheep inside and danger on the outside. If a sheep wanted to leave the cave, it had to get by the shepherd. If a thief or a predator wanted a sheep, he or it would have to get past the shepherd. The shepherd was a literal gate across the entrance of the cave. A good shepherd would be willing to give his life to protect the sheep from the thief or a predator. This is who Jesus is to us. When we choose to follow Jesus as our shepherd, Jesus will guide our faith journey into a joyful relationship with God. While the forces of the world try to destroy our faith, Jesus will stand guard and keep us in the flock. Jesus' final act of love as the Good Shepherd was to become the Lamb who gave his own life on the cross. His blood that was shed is the proof of his love, of our forgiveness, and the path to reconciliation with God.

Lord Jesus, thank you for always being with us, leading us beside still waters and into the safety of shelter. Guard our hearts and let our faith grow under you care. Amen.