WHY JESUS IS THE ONLY DOOR THAT MATTERS
Week three of our "I AM" series brought us face-to-face with another profound declaration from Jesus: "I AM THE DOOR" (John 10:9). In some translations, it's "the gate," but the meaning is the same: an opening that allows entry.
Think about doors in your own life. We're particular about what comes into our homes, right? Doors are a big deal. So when Jesus makes such a bold statement about Himself, it's worth leaning in to understand why.
Picture this scene from John 10. Jesus had just healed a man born blind, and the religious leaders, the Pharisees, were furious. They'd even kicked the healed man out of the synagogue! In response, Jesus turns to the crowd, including these same critics, and begins teaching with the familiar image of a shepherd and his sheep.
Back in Jesus' day, sheep pens weren’t equipped with the fancy gates or doors we envision today. Instead, the shepherd would actually lie down across the opening, literally becoming the door. Nothing could get in or out without passing through him.
The walls of these sheepfolds were often stacked stone, high enough to deter thieves. Thorny bushes topped them to keep out predators like lions or wolves. The small opening was easily blocked by the shepherd's body. In the evening, the shepherd would herd his sheep inside, count them, and then lay himself across the entrance, sleeping there for the night. The sheep huddled together for warmth and safety. Thieves couldn't scale the walls, and no wild animal would dare approach the gate, knowing the shepherd was there.
There was one way in and one way out of that sheepfold, and the shepherd was that way. If a predator wanted in, they had to go through him. If a sheep wanted to wander out, they had to step over him, acknowledging his presence before straying.
See it? The shepherd is the ultimate protector, the door. So when Jesus says, "I am the door," He's saying: I'm the only way in. I'm the one who stands between you and the enemy. If you want life, safety, and a true relationship with God, you come through Me. Nothing touches us without passing through Him first.
Let's Reflect
What does the image of Jesus physically lying across the entrance to protect His sheep evoke in you?
Have you ever tried to find a "back door" or shortcut to God, outside of Jesus? What was the result?
How does the idea that "nothing gets to us without passing through Him first" bring you comfort or challenge you?
Let's Pray: Lord Jesus, we are awestruck by Your declaration: "I am the Door." Thank You for being our ultimate protector, the one who stands between us and the enemy. Help us to fully trust that You are the only way to true life, safety, and a relationship with God. Forgive us for trying to find other paths or for doubting Your constant presence and protection. We choose to enter through You today. Amen.
