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Connecting Statement:
Jesus begins to explain the meaning of the parables he had spoken.
Truly, truly
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
I am the gate of the sheep
Here "gate" is a metaphor that means Jesus provides access into the sheepfold where God's people dwell in his presence. AT: "I am like the gate that the sheep use to enter into the sheepfold" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)
Everyone who came before me
This refers to other teachers who have taught the people, including the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders. AT: "All of the teachers who came without my authority" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)
a thief and a robber
These words are metaphors. Jesus calls those teachers "a thief and a robber" because their teachings were false, and they were trying to lead God's people while not understanding the truth. As a result, they deceived the people. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)