New Beginnings - The Good Shepherd - The Gate

 JOHN 10

Read John 10:1-42

John 10:1-9

“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. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 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. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture."

When Jesus began talking about the sheep pen and sheep, his listeners would have paid attention and understood the situation, because shepherds and sheep were common in ancient Palestine.

A "sheep pen" was a cave, shed or open area surrounded by a wall eight to ten feet high and made of stones or branches. Often the top would be would be lined with thorns to keep thieves and predators out. Having a single entrance made guarding the flock at night easier for the shepherd. At times several shepherds, each with his own sheep, would use a single sheep pen and take turns guarding the entrance. Mingling the animals caused no problems because flock would respond to their shepherds voice. The shepherd standing or sitting in the entrance was in fact, "the Gate".

In Jesus' parable the "gate" is the only entrance and represents the position of Messiah because Jesus explained that "the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep" (John 10:2).

Realising that his listeners hadn't understood his teaching, Jesus then states it clearly, "I am the gate for the sheep"(John 10:7). In other words, he was the only way to salvation and eternal life - "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved" (John 10:9). Later Jesus would emphasise this truth with the Twelve, stating "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"(John 14:6).

Getting Personal

1. Why do you think people resist the exclusive claim of Jesus - that he is the only way to salvation?
2. Have you heard someone say or imply that people can come to God and get to heaven by many paths? How do you respond to that?
3. Who do you think the robbers of today are?
4. In what way has Jesus being the "gate" for the "sheep pen" affected your life.

Jesus asserted he was the True and Only Messiah (John 14:6). As such, his people could find salvation, security and nourishment only through him. At that time, the Jews knew they would have only one Messiah, so the question for them was, "Is this the one?". Today, the questions seem to centre more on the issue of Jesus exclusive statement to be the only way. Jesus claimed and proved to be God in the flesh and the only source of salvation. Without him, all people are lost in their sins and bound for destruction. But because of Jesus and though him (the Gate), we can have eternal life. Instead of wondering why only one way is available, we can be grateful that God has provided the way.

Bible Verse

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep". John 10:14–15, NIV

Prayer

Dear Father in heaven, we thank you that your voice reaches our hearts and that we can say with joy, "We belong to you. We too are yours." We want to lead lives that show we belong to you, never allowing ourselves to be sidetracked, never again giving way to pettiness, always drawing strength from the power of Jesus Christ. Protect our household. Watch over each of us. Protect us all on our way. O mighty God, be with us in the many dangers that surround us, and grant that we may always be joyful because our names are recorded in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.

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