The Lectionary is not known for being good at context. While it isn't quite as bad as "proof-texting" it seems to, at times, point you in a direction without the text really allowing for it. This weeks seems to be one of those weeks. Our Collect (prayer) focuses on Jesus as the Good Shepherd and we, his followers, as the sheep. But, if one were to read the section just before this text one would notices that Jesus isn't talking to his disciples or even the crowd here; he is talking to and condemning the Pharisees.
It ain't about the sheep - it is all about the thieves.
Jesus as the gate, as Peter pointed out, means that Jesus is protecting his sheep from those would enter to do them harm. Those who would do them harm are those who, in the name of God, lead people in all sorts of bad directions across the theological spectrum. The gate is closed to those who come with all the answers. It is closed to those who have missed the Kingdom message. It will not be opened for those who claim self-help as Discipleship. It will remain shut for those who deny Christ as divine because it harms their message of self-salvation through social justice.
We are just sheep; susceptible to the variations of direction from the hired hand. Jesus the gate protects us from those who would lead us astray; if we could only figure out who was allowed in and who had jumped the fence.
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