The thief enters over the fence…the wild animal, by digging underneath the enclosure…but the shepherd strides up and opens the gate. The Good Shepherd – Jesus, is not only the sole person who can rightfully open the gate…He is the gate. For in verse 9, Jesus goes on to say, “I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved.” Jesus is the Good Shepherd and the only means by which we can be saved… ever watching over, and protecting His flock… allowing passage into eternity.