The Gate Guarding our Souls

John 10:1-10, I Peter 2:19-25

We all know the metaphor of Jesus being the Good Shepherd but in our John account Jesus says he is not only the Good Shepherd but is also the gate for the sheep. Those who enter through him will be saved and find pasture. This image of Jesus being the gate may reflect the practice of shepherds lying in front of the opening to the sheep fold.

This shepherd-sheep relationship is one of intimacy, guidance, and care. Jesus being the Good Shepherd knows his sheep by name and leads them out since the sheep know his voice. This is in contrast to the stranger, thief, and bandit who climb in another way. These thieves represent the political and religious leaders of the time. While the Good Shepherd gives abundant life, these thieves come only to steal, kill, and destroy. This passage is followed by Jesus stating he is the Good Shepherd and details the good he does for the sheep.

Our Peter account talks about suffering justly and unjustly. Enduring unjust suffering is said to have God’s approval. Peter brings up the suffering of the perfect Christ and his righteous reaction to it. He doesn’t retaliate, return abuse, or threatens but entrusts himself to God. This brings up the verse, “Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord.” God who judges justly knows the souls of those who bring suffering. Christ shows not only how to respond to suffering but empowers us in our suffering.

Peter then tells about how Christ brought us salvation by bearing our sins on the cross for us giving us the ability to live for righteousness. Not only is Christ the great liberator but also the great healer – by his wounds we are healed. He then uses the sheep metaphor saying how we had gone astray but have returned to the shepherd – returned to the gate where the Good Shepherd lies as guardian of our souls.

May we stay within the gate where the Good Shepherd promises abundant life, empowers us during suffering, and guards our souls. Amen.