Did the disciples understand the parable of the sheepfold?
No, the disciples did not initially understand the parable. John 10:6 states that Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they did not understand what things He was saying. Jesus then clarified by declaring, 'I am the door of the sheep,' showing He is the only way.
Les explains that Jesus used the shepherd and sheepfold illustration in John 10. The disciples did not understand the parable at first; verse 6 says they understood not what things He spoke. So Jesus clarified, saying, 'I am the door of the sheep.' He is the only way. Les points out that most people picture someone trying to steal a sheep, but this is spiritual: those who try to gain heaven another way will be cast out as thieves and robbers. The door was right in front of them, ground level, where anybody could walk through, just as Christ is right in front of every person.
This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.