In the ancient culture of shepherding, the shepherd would gather the sheep each night and keep them safe by corralling them in a confined area (perhaps where two large rock formations join together) and the shepherd would lay across the opening to the area similar to a door or gate. This would keep the sheep safe as nothing could pass through to get the sheep unless it entered the gate. Jesus said he is the gate. We can find protection from evil and from the thieves of our life as we enter into the true safety offered to us by Christ.