Three Years in 30 Days: Jesus' Life and MissionSample

I am … the door

So Jesus again said to them, ‘'Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep…I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:7 and 9 ESV)

For Jesus’ audience, it was a familiar image: flocks of sheep being brought into a pen for the night. This pen usually consisted of sections of wall with a single opening through which the sheep could enter and exit. Inside this pen, the sheep could rest safely and were protected from predators or thieves. At night, the doorway was guarded by a watchman. When the shepherd came to collect his sheep in the morning, the watchman let him in as the rightful owner. From the doorway, the shepherd led his sheep in or out.

The sheep trusted the shepherd and recognized his voice. A robber or predator would never enter through the doorway but would try to climb over the fence or wall. The shepherd protected his flock and he was the one with authority over his flock. A number of spiritual leaders questioned Jesus' authority as the Son of God. With the words “I am the door,” Jesus also confirmed His unique role as the One sent by the Father. As “the door,” Jesus is the only One who gives people access to God again and restores their connection with Him. As “the door,” Jesus is also the One who protects and guards His followers.

Read John 10:1-10.

• What does Jesus say about Himself in this passage?
• What does this mean for you?

Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for leading and protecting me as a shepherd. Make me willing every day to listen to Your voice and follow You. Amen.