Jesus said: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” John 10:9
TOPIC: Jesus likens himself to a gate or door.
BACKGROUND: John 10 is the beautiful chapter of Jesus shepherding his sheep. Once again he was at odds with the Pharisees. In this chapter Jesus likens them to thieves and robbers who lead people in the wrong direction and fill their minds with lies. The KJV uses the term door in place of gate.
A 2021 Pew Research poll asked if those who do not believe in Jesus Christ will go to heaven. Among all Americans 40% said that those who do not believe in Jesus can still go to heaven. Surprisingly 21% of all Protestants agreed. Is it true that all paths lead to heaven?
Jesus approached this question in John 10. We must understand that people in Bible times were very knowledgeable in the work of shepherding. Not only were many of their Bible heroes shepherds, but the hills in Palestine were covered with flocks of sheep. Thus the people knew that at night most shepherds would lead their flock into a stone enclosure to keep them safe. Since there were no physical gates, the shepherd would sleep in the open entryway to be certain no robbers or thieves would enter the sheepfold.
Jesus made the point that the Pharisees were the thieves who came to steal the sheep. Then Jesus told them that he was the gate and there was only one way to safety; that is through him. Only through believing in his words can one enter into heaven. Jesus is not just a door, he is the door. He alone is the door to Paradise. Jesus stressed this a few chapters later when he said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
As foolish wandering sheep, we find great comfort knowing Jesus is our shepherd and friend. He cares for us, he leads us, and he wants us to be part of his eternal flock in heaven.
PRAYER THOUGHT: by Dwight Williams
I am the door, come in, come in,
And everlasting treasures win;
My Father’s house was built for thee,
And thou shalt share His home with Me,
PAUL WRITES ABOUT JESUS: “You must let Christ Jesus make you strong by his gift of undeserved grace.” 2 Timothy 2:1 CEV
From At the Feet of Jesus by Reynold R. Kremer