“Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.” -John 10:7
The Gospel of John is sometimes referred to as the “Gospel of Life.” At the very center of this book is this statement from Jesus, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) This wonderful gift of life comes through the grace of God. Because God desires the best for His children, God sent His Son to show us the way that leads to the life intended for us. The “I Am” statements of Jesus, found in the Gospel of John, help us better understand and follow the One who was sent to show us the better way.
Sadly, life is rarely easy. At times, it is scary. God understands. Because of life’s challenges, God knows we need comfort and care as we make this journey of life. Thankfully, the scriptures remind us that we can come and find rest and healing.
On more than one occasion, Jesus uses the image of the shepherd and the sheep. The people of the Middle East understood this imagery. Because the sheep were so vital, the shepherds would do all they could to provide safety and care for their flocks. Often, at night, the sheep would be housed in a large pen. The pen would often be made of stacked rocks and brush. The pen would be built as high as possible with only one gate. This keeps the predators out and the sheep safe. The Shepherd would often sleep in front of the gate for added security.
Using the image of the shepherd and the sheep pen, Jesus describes the loving nature of God when he says, “I am the gate.” (John 10:7) He wants to care for us, protect us, and provide the opportunity for us to experience the life God intends for us, His children. As God’s people, we are called to draw close to him and there find comfort, rest, and restoration. Through Jesus, “the Gate”, we find entrance into the sheepfold and the safety of the pen. We can trust God’s loving character because of what we have witnessed in Jesus. He will care for us. He will lead us. He will provide for us. He will lay down his life for us.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
