Topic: Jesus Is…
In John 10, Jesus uses imagery that His audience—shepherds, farmers and townspeople—would have understood clearly. He describes Himself as the gate or door, the only way into the safety and abundance of God’s kingdom.
To understand Jesus’ declaration, we will look at three key truths: Jesus is the door to salvation, Jesus is the door to security, and Jesus is the door to abundant life.
Jesus is the Door to Salvation:
Let’s begin with John 10:9: “Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved.”
In ancient Palestine, sheepfolds were often enclosed in areas with a single opening. At night, the shepherd would lie across the opening, acting as the door. Nothing could enter or exit without going through the shepherd. Jesus declares Himself to be the only door to salvation. Salvation means to be delivered, rescued or made whole. Salvation is found exclusively in Jesus Christ, as Acts 4:12 affirms: “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
Charles Spurgeon said, “Christ is the door of escape from condemnation, the door into peace with God, the door of entrance into His Church, and the door of access to heaven.”
If you haven’t entered through the door of salvation, today is the day to respond to Jesus’ invitation.
Jesus is the Door to Security:
Jesus continues in John 10:9: “They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.”
This imagery speaks of freedom and protection. The shepherd not only protects the sheep from predators but also leads them to green pastures where they can rest and be nourished.
Psalm 23:1-2 echoes this truth: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.” The phrase “come and go freely” reflects the peace and security found in Christ. In a world of uncertainty, Jesus provides a safe haven for our souls.
Tim Keller wrote, “The only way to be truly safe is to rest in the arms of the One who holds all things together.” Rest in the security that Jesus provides. No matter the storms of life, you are safe in His care. Remember His promise in John 10:28: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.”
Jesus is the Door to Abundant Life:
In John 10:10, Jesus contrasts Himself with the thief. While the thief seeks to destroy, Jesus offers abundance which means beyond measure or exceedingly great. This isn’t merely about material blessings; it’s about a life full of joy, peace, purpose and spiritual fulfilment. As Paul writes in Ephesians 3:20: “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
Jesus is the door to salvation, security and abundant life. But a door only benefits you if you walk through it. Have you entered the door of salvation? Are you resting in His security? Are you experiencing the abundant life He promises?
See You Sunday,
Dr. Scott Kallem