The Shepherd of the Sheep

2 "But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." (John 10:2-3 ESV)

Notice the direct contrast between the man in John 10:1 and John 10:2–

John 10:1                                                                John 10:2

- he who does not enter by the door                 - he who enters by the door

- thief and robber                                                 - shepherd

The contrast set up in the context of these verses is a contrast between a true spiritual leader and a false spiritual leader. Pharisees were seen to be spiritual leaders, but they were thieves and robbers, using the people for their own material and social advantage. A true spiritual leader cares about the spiritual needs of the people, seeking to spiritually protect and nourish the people, doing pastoral work in a self-sacrificial way.

Who allows a true spiritual leader an effective audience with God's people? It is the "gatekeeper," who must symbolize the Holy Spirit. The "sheep"–those who are elect–hear the voice of a true spiritual leader, and they follow him.