I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs in another way, is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

John 10:1-2 (ESV)

The purpose of a sheepdog is to stand guard over the sheep. Sometimes a wolf will try to grab a sheep. Jesus even paints a picture of a wolf wrapped in sheep’s clothing in Matthew 7:15 in order to trick the sheep. However, the sheepdog will always try to foil the wolf’s attempt and protect the sheep.

Back then during Jesus’ time, it was the shepherd’s job to protect the sheep from wolves and thieves. Jesus explains in John chapter 10 that the true shepherd is the one who enters by the gate or the door. Jesus is that true shepherd.

Jesus protects us from troubles in life such as temptations and people who would lead us astray. If we listen to His teachings, rather than a false prophet, we can remain safe eternally.

There were even times when the sheep got lost and the shepherd would have to carry the creature back to its home. Jesus does that for us as well. We can get lost in the sinful ways of the world. We can be led down a dark path that will take us away from the loving light of God. However, Jesus always looks out for us like a shepherd among His sheep.

As long as we stay in the sheepfold and under God’s grace, we will be safe. If we leave the sheepfold and try to find salvation another way, we will be under attack and find no help in the ones who led us away from Christ. There are so many things in this world that can hop the fence and take us away from our loving savior.

We have to be on guard and be mindful of our shepherd’s voice. We have to listen to God and follow Him, or we might find ourselves in need of rescue. In order to do that, we must pray to Him and seek Him out in His Word.

This week, think about how God takes care of us as His sheep. Tell others about His wonderful love that protects us and cares for us.