Through the Gate or over the fence?

Fourth Monday of Eastertide – Acts 11:1-18; John 10:1-10

They will not follow a stranger

Jesus speaks to us today as the true Gate to the sheepfold, the one through whom we enter into safety, truth, and life.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

That message is just as real now as it was then. In our world today, there are still voices that try to lead us away from Christ — voices that promise freedom, but bring confusion; voices that seem wise, but pull the soul from peace; voices that speak loudly, but do not belong to the Shepherd.

A thief is anyone who tries to lead God’s people without coming through Jesus. He ignores Christ, pushes Him aside, or even uses His name while preaching something altogether different. But the true Shepherd is never hidden. His voice is steady, loving, and faithful. He leads us not into darkness, but into fullness of life.

And yes, some will be misled. Some may struggle to hear the Shepherd’s voice clearly in a noisy world. But many will still recognise Him. The sheep who belong to Christ can hear the truth — and deep down, they know when something is not of Him.

So today, in the middle of all the noise, let’s stay close to Jesus. Let’s listen for His voice in Scripture, in prayer, and in the teaching of His Church. Because only He leads us safely through the gate, and only He gives the life our hearts are really longing for — abundant life, now and for ever.