The parable of the sheepfold is the only parable in the gospel of John and it is not found in the other 3 gospels. Though there are chapter breaks 8, 9 and 10, the events recounted all take place in the same span of time. Up until this point, Jesus had been cleaning the house of Israel but now is the moment when Jesus begins to turn from this wicked generation, speaking in parables so that Israel would not understand but those who believed He was the Son of God would. This was Jesus changing families.
The sheepfold is the House of Israel. The thief and robber are the religious leaders trying to get God’s sheep. The door is all the Biblical prophecies about Jesus. The Porter is John the Baptist—who sent believing Jews (sheep) to The Good Shepherd, Jesus! “Other” sheep are the gentiles. Hirelings are only in it for the money, not the sheep (think, apostate church leaders). Sheep die for the shepherd (sacrifices) and the Good Shepherd died for the sheep; PRAISE GOD!.