“The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. I am the door. Whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:2,9-11)

First-century sheepfolds were roughly constructed rock walls, designed to keep the sheep in an enclosed space for protection. A single opening in the wall served as the only access in and out. The shepherd would lie down in that space to keep the sheep in the pen through the night; his body became the door. This is the analogy Jesus used to communicate his loving care for his people.

Parents can identify with being the door, at times. It may be to train a toddler to fall asleep on their own, when Mom or Dad progressively inches towards the door through a series of nights. It may be to keep a preschooler in bed during naptime, when the caregiver rests their body on the floor, within the doorframe, ensuring the little one stays put. It may be on bended knees outside a closed bedroom door, where a parent finds themselves praying for an angry child following an outburst, or staying vigilant for a child who has a history of eloping.

A parent becomes a door that shows a child they are in a safe place. A parent becomes a door that shows a child there are boundaries for their good. A parent becomes a door that shows a child they are loved, as the faithful parent stays present, even during the difficult and painful moments. Loving parents understand outside dangers and the need for children to remain safe. In the same way, Jesus understands the dangers that surround us. The greatest enemies we face are the world, the devil, and our own sinful flesh. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus came to give us life by giving up his life. Jesus is the door. We enter through him, and we are saved. He gave his life for the sheep because he is the Good Shepherd.

Good Shepherd, as we continue to care for the children of our “sheepfold,” help us look to you. You are the door, providing protection and security for our eternal good. Empower us to continue to be a safeguard for our children. Thank you for the life you gave for us. Lead us to continue to walk in your ways and live for you. Amen.

by Rebeckah Ellinghuysen