The Sheep Gate

John 10:7-10, CEB

So Jesus spoke again, “I assure you that I am the gate of the sheep.  All who came before me were thieves and outlaws, but the sheep didn’t listen to them.  I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture.  The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.

                This is the next of Jesus’ “I AM” statements in the Gospel of John.  With the words Jesus uses with all seven of these statements, He elicits the high holy name of God given to Moses in Exodus – “I AM THAT I AM.”  This use of language is meant to signal to John’s readers that Jesus is (1) identifying Himself with the God of Moses and (2) revealing a specific aspect of the character of God.  Here, we learn that Jesus is the Gate.  Specifically, the image evoked is a sheep gate.

                 The image of a sheep gate suggests several things about Jesus.  First, He is the sole access point.  Just as a shepherd would lay in the doorway of the sheepfold, Jesus positions himself as the only way to enter the “sheepfold” of God’s people. Also, through Jesus, believers are saved from sin and spiritual danger. He acts as a protector against the “thieves and robbers” (false teachers, or the enemy) who would seek to harm or mislead the flock.

Entering through Jesus the Gate, believers find not just safety, but also an “abundant life” characterized by spiritual nourishment, peace, and joy. This is likened to finding pasture and experiencing the fullness of life in God’s presence.  Jesus’s declaration contrasts with other potential paths or leaders, highlighting that He is the unique and true way to God. He is the only “door” that leads to the Kingdom of God.

Spend some time today reflecting on these truths about Jesus – protection, access to the kingdom and “life to the fullest.”

Questions:  How have you experienced the protection Jesus offers?  In what specific ways does Jesus “open” the Kingdom to you?  How would you describe the “life to the fullest” that Jesus references here?

Prayer:  Jesus, You are the gate that allows me to enter into the blessings of God.  You are a protector from those who would rob or harm me.  Help me to live into the fullness of the life You offer.  Amen.

Prayer Focus:  Pray for people that you know who are experiencing danger (physical, emotional, or spiritual). 

Song:  Life to the Full – Cirencester Baptist Church Choir & Orchestra