Jesus said: “I am the gate for the sheep.” John 10:7
TOPIC: Jesus used metaphors.
BACKGROUND: Metaphors lead us from the known to the unknown.
Imagine for a moment what it was like for Jesus to stand before thousands of people, (or sometimes just the Twelve,) trying to explain what heaven is like; what it means to be God; what he came to fulfil. It seems like an impossible task. That is why Jesus often resorted to various methods of speech to get his point across. Metaphors, similes, and parables were three such means.
A metaphor is a type of speech that compares two unrelated things for the purpose of suggesting a likeness between them. Matthew 5:14 states, “You are the light of the world.” Here we are not literally saying we give off actual light, but rather we should influence those around us that they can see Christ in us.
Jesus frequently used metaphors.
- “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11).
- “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35).
- “I am the gate for the sheep” (John 10:7).
- “I am the Alpha and the Omega” (Revelation 1:8).
Jesus’ purpose was to paint pictures of things his audience was familiar with to help them understand deeper things about him and his ministry. By doing so he invited them into his world; his kingdom. They serve as new ways to view him and gain a more intimate insight of him.
However, many people couldn’t grasp his point. When Jesus said he was the bread of life, the Jews were confused wondering how they could eat his flesh. That is because only those whose hearts are attuned to Jesus can fully appreciate their use.
Tune your heart to see the beauty within the metaphors of Jesus. Pray that through metaphors God might open your eyes to the wonders of Jesus’ world.
PRAYER THOUGHT: by John Newton
“I am,” saith Christ, our glorious head
(May we attention give),
“The resurrection of the dead,
The life of all that live.”
PAUL WRITES ABOUT JESUS: “Thank God for letting our Lord Jesus Christ give us the victory!” 1 Corinthians 15:57 CEV
From At the Feet of Jesus by Reynold R. Kremer