John 10.1-21

The context of this chapter is established in the very first verse – “he who does not enter by the door to the fold – (an enclosure for flocks to rest together) of the sheep.” The sheep are those who would be led – but not by the thief (or anyone else for that matter) who enters by means other than having been admitted by the doorkeeper. Lest the stranger (v5) be confused for “the Shepherd,” Christ identifies Himself for the listeners. But in verse 6 "they did not understand Him." So Christ makes things plainly clear. First, there has been no source of truth before Him that the sheep should follow – only false shepherds. Second, only He is able to lead the sheep of the fold; “All who came before Me are thieves and robbers…” (v8).

Now, pay attention to an important element that you might overlook. Christ clarifies Who He is, The Good Shepherd (vv11,14). But you might be trying to assign Him double duty as both Good Shepherd and the Doorkeeper. But Christ is not the doorkeeper. Christ states plainly that He is the Good Shepherd. But He just as plainly clarifies how that is established through His own provision - as the "door."
• “But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep” (v2)
• “…they did not understand…So Jesus said to them again, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.” (vv6-7)
• “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (v9)

Some translations will use the word gate and gatekeeper instead of door and doorkeeper. Both are appropriate, and give the identity of Jesus the Son of God, with God the Father. It highlights an important distinction in the imagery. Look at the difference between Jesus as "the Gate" and the One who is the "Gatekeeper":

Jesus as "the gate" (John 10:7,9):
1. He is the entry point itself.
2. Represents the exclusive means of access to salvation and God's kingdom.
3. Emphasizes that salvation comes only through Him.
4. Implies a passive role - He is the way through which sheep pass.

The Gatekeeper (John 10:3):
1. Would be someone who controls access to the gate.
2. Implies an active role in deciding who enters.
3. Suggests a separate entity from the gate itself.
4. Often associated with judgment or selection.

In John 10, Jesus specifically identifies Himself as the gate, not the gatekeeper. This is significant because:

1. It emphasizes His role as the way to salvation, not just someone who decides who gets in.
2. It aligns with other teachings where He calls Himself "the way" (John 14:6).
3. It underscores that He doesn't just control access; He is the access.

The gatekeeper role is actually attributed to the watchman in John 10:3, who opens the gate for the shepherd. This further distinguishes Jesus' role as the gate itself. I contend that the Gatekeeper is further identified in vv 15, 17, & 18)

This distinction reinforces the central message of John's Gospel about Jesus' unique role in salvation and His direct relationship with believers, rather than portraying Him as an intermediary or judge at the entrance.As we will continue to see Christ testify, and as we have already seen many times in John’s testimony, Jesus does nothing of His own will but also by the will of the Father. This, too is no different and is further evidence of His divinity and Oneness with the Father:

“And I have other sheep, which are not from this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one takes it away from Me, but from Myself, I lay it down. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.” (vv16–18).

So who do you think the "doorkeeper/gatekeeper" is? By this time it should be apparent. If not, here is one final connection that Christ already delivered -

John 6:44-46
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT BY GOD.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father.

I declare to you, I pray by permission of the Father, and by correct restatement of the Words of the Son - "If you have seen the Gate, you have seen the Gatekeeper."

This is a good point to discuss with other followers of Christ. As you read this passage, see if you can discern exactly where it is that Jesus is speaking of "us" in the passage. By "us," I mean those who are not people of Israel. It is a very special notation He makes to the Jews. – And they were none too pleased to hear it.