Our pastor recently told the story of his trip to Israel. While he was there, he rented a car and drove out into the countryside. He saw shepherds with their flock. Reflecting on the wealth of scripture relating to shepherds, he pulled over to watch them.
He was most intrigued to note that the shepherds lead their flock to different pastures that were "fenced" in on all sides EXCEPT for the gate. There was no gate. Once the sheep were gathered inside the pasture, the shepherd "himself" became the gate.
It truly brought new meaning to all of these scriptural passages. I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture.