The Door Means Protection
The Door Means Protection
The shepherd risked his own life (and probably lost some sleep) when he served as the door of the sheepfold. The wolves could not get in and attack the sheep, nor could thieves enter and steal from the flock. The shepherd was armed with his rod and staff and could fend off intruders (Ps. 23:4).
Wherever there is a faithful flock, there will be enemies waiting to attack, from outside the church or from within. Paul made that clear in his farewell address to the Ephesian elders, a passage all shepherds need written on their hearts.
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. (Acts 20:28–31)
The security of the flock is the shepherd’s number one responsibility, and Jesus assures us that His sheep shall never perish (John 10:27–30). “Therefore he is able to save completely [forever] those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Heb. 7:25). We are saved as long as Jesus is alive in heaven, and “Jesus lives forever” (v. 24). Jesus, our heavenly High Priest, ministers for us today “on the basis of the power of an indestructible life” (v. 16). No wonder He could say to His disciples, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19).
In our next study of John 10, we will seek to get to know this Shepherd better.