Why It Matters //
In our current culture, it is so common to meet people who are “spiritual but not religious,” who believe in a “higher power” but scoff at the idea of worshipping a single, sovereign God. Even if they do believe in a god (or gods), there’s still this notion of “all religions are the same” or “we’re all going to heaven but just taking different paths.” The idea of a God or faith that is exclusive is unbelievable and even offensive to some. Throughout Jesus’ life, however, He continually teaches and speaks in a way that makes it crystal clear: there is only one way into heaven, one way to the Father, and that is through Christ and Christ alone. The truth that Jesus is the door helps us realize there is no other way/method/strategy/religion apart from Jesus Christ that will give us eternal life and hope.
What It's Talking About //
The Gospel of John, like Matthew, Mark and Luke, tells the story of Jesus, highlighting more of the personal encounters and conversations people had with Him. More importantly, John records Jesus’ seven “I am” statements, describing who this Messiah, the Son of God, really is. In this third statement, Jesus calls himself the “door,” the only gate through which people can enter and be saved. There is only one way into heaven and eternal salvation, and that is through the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
John 10:1-10 NIV
1 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.
2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”
6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.
8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.
9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.