Good Shepherd

The ancient Middle Eastern shepherds had an interesting way to protect their sheep.  They would build a fold by planting thorns and thistles around a huge circle.  Then they would hollow out a depression at the entrance - much like a cattle gap.  Sheep couldn’t get out and predators couldn’t get in.  The shepherd would lay down at night in the ditch and the sheep would walk over him to get in the fold.  Jesus said, “The Good Shepherd lays down his life for His sheep!” He alone is the entrance into the safety of the fold.