I Am...The Gate and Good Shepherd

Story of the Young Seminary student and Old Seasoned Pastor. “You learned the 23rd Psalm I know the Shepherd.”

Our portion of scripture is the explanation of an earlier parable of Jesus.

Accessibility to Life

Before you can get to the life you have to get through the life-giver. And I thank God that the one who grants the abundant life is easily accessible. Jesus is not so far that he can’t hear when you call. Jesus is always readily available. He says “...I am the door of the sheep.” So, not only is Jesus responsible for the leading of the sheep be Jesus is also the door by which the sheep enter into life.

It is said that in ancient times in these sheep pens the shepherd would literally sleep at the door of the pen to protect the sheep from anyone who would try and steal sheep. Jesus then is functionally the gate to enter and the protector to keep us safe.

We have to deal with three important parts of the gate metaphor: he will be saved and go in and out and find pasture

Salvation

Security

Sustenance

More Abundant Life

The enemy has a purpose and Jesus names the purpose in a triad. He comes only to steal and Kill and to destroy. There is no goodness in the enemy or the enemies plan.

What abundant life is NOT

Not just material prosperity

Not trouble-free living

Not constant emotional highs

What abundant life IS

First and foremost Eternal Life.

Overflowing relationship with God

Purposeful living

Inner peace regardless of outer pressure

Spiritual nourishment

Joy rooted in belonging

It is life as God designed it — full, rich, meaningful, secure.

His Abandoned Life

As mentioned before the Shepherd would sleep by the gate. He would literally lay down his life for the sheep. He would lay across the sheep gate. The shepherd’s care was so strong that he would risk his life to protect the sheep.

The Good Shepherd as opposed to the hired hand. Only Jesus would lay down his own life for us. Romans 5:7-8

Romans 5:7–8 ESV

For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Church… let me tell you what kind of Savior we have.

When we were outcast — He became the Door.

When we were lacking — He became our Abundance.

When we were condemned — He became our Sacrifice.

He didn’t just talk about life… He offered life.

He didn’t just promise life… He supplied life.

He didn’t just protect life… He gave His life.

And I hear Him saying today…

If you’re searching for belonging— come through the Door. If you’re barely surviving — step into abundance. If you’re wandering around — follow the Shepherd.

Because the Shepherd is the good Shepherd. And Gate is one way to God.

The Door that opened… is still open.

The life He promised… is still flowing.

And the Shepherd who died… got up again.

Psalm 23 ESV

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.