I am the Door

Recap

•We’ve looked at 2 of the “I am” statements given by Jesus in John as the bread of life and the world’s light.

•When Jesus made these statements, he was trying to reveal to the audience who he was, and where he was from. Also, notice that thus far all these statements have been made to the Pharisees.

Introduction

•The next statement we’re going to look at is Jesus saying, “I am the door.”

•People have been herding sheep in the Middle East since Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden. So, this would have been an illustration many people would have been familiar with.

•In fact, the next two statements are found in this passage. Jesus as the door and the good shepherd.

Jesus’ Declaration of Being the Door (John 10:7-8)

I am the door

•Jesus has just finished telling the Pharisees that the Shepherd knows the voice of his sheep.

•Yet, the Pharisees do not know what the meaning of the teaching is.

•Jesus continues by explaining it even further, by saying “I am the door of the sheep”

•The interesting thing about sheep is that they are not very bright.

•They must rely on the guidance of their master to lead them away from danger.

•Sheep will follow each other blindly.

•A 2005 BBC article, showcased an account of 1,500 sheep blindly following each other off a 50ft cliff.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4665511.stm

•In this verse, Jesus claims not to be the shepherd who goes through the gate, but rather is the gate himself.

• ”Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

•During this time, the shepherds would sleep at the gate to keep thieves and wolves out and keep sheep in.

Jesus Brings Salvation and Safety (John 10:9)

Jesus as the Gate

•Building upon Jesus as the door, anybody who enters in shall be saved.

• ”For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”(Eph 2:18)

•The sheep who enter into the gate will find safety from the outside threats because Jesus is not only the gatekeeper, but he is the gate.

•The sheep can go in and out to find pasture. The shepherd can lead them to a new pasture when the old one isn’t working.

•“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” (Ps 23:2)

•David, who was the watcher of his father’s sheep, would often liken God to a shepherd in Ps 23.

Jesus Brings Abundant Life (John 10:10)

Life More Abundantly

•The one who is the door is protecting the sheep from those who want to come and steal, kill, and destroy.

•Sheep stealing was a significant issue during this time. Why? Because for many people raising sheep was many people’s livelihood. No sheep, no money, no food.

•The reason that Jesus came is so that people might have life and have it more abundantly.

•Abundantly – To have more life or to be full of life.

•Remember the sheep who enter the gate of Jesus, they have safety, and salvation, and are being led to new pastures without the fear of thieves.

•This sure sounds like the life for the sheep.

•To have someone watching out for you and leading you to more food when needed.