The true shepherd and a thief differ in their motives of approaching the sheep. The thief comes to the sheep to steal and use them for his benefit. The shepherd calls them by name and leads them to the pasture. He knows each sheep by its strength, weakness, problems, and the like. He leads them by his example by going on ahead of them. Sheep know, trust, and follow their shepherd. Jesus knows each of his sheep individually, and guides them very personally. His sheep know that Jesus is the good shepherd who loves them and leads them by his examples. They trust his words and follow him. Those who have the good shepherd Jesus are truly blessed and cared for.

Jesus is the gate. No one could enter or leave the sheep pen except by crossing over the shepherd. Jesus is the gate to heaven. No one can go to God and his kingdom except through Christ Jesus. He is the only gate to salvation and an abundant life. Thieves come to steal, kill, and destroy the sheep. But Jesus came to give his life to the sheep so that they could have salvation and life to the fullest. Hence, Jesus’ sheep have the privilege of going “in and out” and finding pasture.