AP

Jesus: The Door for the Sheep

By James Jeffery

“Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.” (John 10:7-8)

One of the most popular buzzwords of our generation is ‘tolerance.’ Yet, as is the case with ‘honesty’ and ‘integrity,’ those who proclaim themselves to be ‘tolerant’ are often the least tolerant of others. Given the social outrage against certain doctrines of Biblical Christianity, I think it’s fair to say that the truth claims of Christianity stand out as particularly intolerable to the secular god of inclusivity.

Often, the most offensive claims to our post-Christian world are those pertaining to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Of course, there is no issue in claiming that Jesus is a lord and a saviour. Problems arise when we claim that Jesus is the Lord and the Saviour. Such claims fly in the face of Mahatma Gandhi, who once said:

“The various religions are like different roads converging on the same point. What difference does it make if we follow different routes, provided we arrive at the same destination?”

Yet, our greatest concern with any religious claim ought not be whether it is inclusive, but whether it is true. After all, no matter how kind or tolerant a doctrine may sound, it is nothing but chaff if proven untrue; chaff which can lead one to condemnation. Conversely, an exclusive claim which proves itself to be true is the greatest grace and blessing for the one who accepts it.

Understanding the Context

The ‘door’ refers to the gate which grants access to the enclosed area where sheep live, a metaphor for what it means to live in God’s presence. The paddock inside the gates refers to the joy and bliss of being in a right relationship with God.

Inside God’s paddock is peace, joy, and life. Once someone enters through the gate, God will hold them fast for all eternity. God protects, provides for, and preserves His chosen sheep. There is no other place to enjoy the presence of the Lord and His people.

Outside God’s paddock is danger, strife, and unfettered sin. Those outside the gate are vulnerable to attacks from wolves, are at risk of hurting themselves, and are enslaved to their own passions. There is no rest to be found outside God’s paddock.

This raises the critical question: How can we enter God’s paddock?

Here in John 10:9, Jesus claims to be the ‘door of the sheep.’ In other words, He claims to be the gate — the only source of access into God’s presence and blessing. While thieves and robbers try and jump over the walls of the paddock, only Jesus offers entry the legitimate way. This is because He Himself is the gate.

What Does This Mean for us Today?

Just as there is only one gate to enter a paddock, there is only one way to enter into a right relationship with the living God. Jesus is the door for the sheep — there are no other ways to enter His pasture. This is not arrogant or nasty of Jesus to say; it is the truth.

By claiming to be the ‘door of the sheep,’ Jesus challenges the old adage that ‘all roads lead to Rome.’ Different religions are not different ways to the same God. There is only one way into communion with God, and that is through the one true gate: Jesus Christ. What is most important is not whether we believe, but in whom we have placed our trust. 

Entry into Jesus’ pasture cannot be earned through our good works, for God does not take bribes. This is the reason false religions cannot grant entry into God’s presence. Nor can any religious leader guarantee us entry, for God alone guards the fold.

The only way to enter is by entrusting ourselves to Jesus whose love is genuine and sacrificial. Jesus guards the gate, and therefore we must go through Him if we wish to enter God’s pasture and enjoy eternal life.

Final Words

Have you entered into God’s pasture through Jesus Christ? He is the only gate through which we can enter into God’s sheep fold. Through Him, we are offered the forgiveness of our sins, tender care, and the promise of eternal life in the New Creation with God and His people.

Since Jesus spoke the truth, there is nothing harsh or unloving about Him claiming to be the only way into God’s paddock. In fact, it is harsh and unloving to claim Jesus is one of many ways when He so clearly taught against this idea.

The good news is that there is still time to enter God’s paddock. If you haven’t entered through the gate, do so today while the gate is still open. For there will come a day when the gate is shut, and on that day, there will be no second chances. Trust in Jesus Christ while He may be found and call on Him while He is near. Be assured that Jesus never casts away those who come to Him in faith but welcomes them in as a father does his children.

Closing Prayer

Dear Father,

You have been so gracious by providing access into Your presence and blessing through Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit, remind us of the privilege it is to dwell in the presence of the Living God, and give us joy and hope to know that we will live with You and Your people forever.   

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.