Jesus talks about the safety and dangers of caring for sheep. The shepherd calls his sheep by name, and the sheep know the shepherd’s voice, but will run away from strangers. The Pharisees do not understand that Jesus is referring to himself. Jesus also says that he is the gate of the sheepfold, and whoever enters by him will be saved.

This passage invites us to reflect on listening to Jesus’ voice, as the sheep follow him alone. The image of Jesus being the gate is very powerful and leads the sheep, and us, to an abundance of life. We consider how we might follow Jesus’ voice to the life we are in need of.