In John 10, Jesus makes two very important “I Am” statements about being the Good Shepherd. John 10:7-10 tells us one of those. It says, “Therefore Jesus said again, ‘Very truly I tell you, I am the door for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the door; if anyone enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’” Jesus said He was the door of the sheep which is the way to eternal life. Let’s look at three important truths of these verses.
First, Jesus begins these verses by saying “Very truly”. Some translations say, “Verily, verily” or “Truly, truly” which means what He is about to say is absolutely and exclusively true. You can trust in these words. In John 10:7, Jesus makes an exclusive claim that He is the door of the sheep. If you read the first six verses of this chapter you’ll see Jesus is telling a group of religious people a story of how sheep enter a sheepfold. One type of sheepfold had a gate manned by a gatekeeper. The other kind used the shepherd as the door. Jesus says here He is the way into the sheepfold illustrating He alone is the way into heaven. There is only one way to heaven and that is through Jesus, the Door. There are not many ways in – only one Door. Religion, good works, baptism, nor any other thing can get you to heaven. Jesus is the only way (John 14:6). Jesus said in verse 8 that thieves and robbers came before trying to be the door but the sheep did not listen to them. They got into the sheepfold some other way than the Door of Jesus thus their titles of thieves and robbers. If you enter someone’s property by climbing over a gate or wall you have entered illegally and have no right to be there. You only gain proper permission and access through the gate or door. No one can enter heaven without going through Jesus.

Secondly, Jesus doesn’t leave the sheep on the outside with no way in. He reinterates the proper and exclusive way to enter in. He is the Door. If they enter through Him they will be saved. There is a wall that separates man from God. That wall is sin. There is no way around this wall of sin and we need a point of entry. The way through the wall of sin is found in the door of Jesus. Jesus doesn’t force anyone through the door as the verse says, “If anyone enters through me (Jesus).” But what an offer! Oh what awaits those on the other side if they enter through Jesus. The door of Jesus is the pathway to eternal life!

Thirdly, let’s look at the benefits of entering through Jesus. Salvation is the best benefit of all. If you enter in you will be saved. Salvation is the beginning of a relationship with Jesus. You also gain the benefit of safety. Going in and out and finding safe pasture means a worry free life. It doesn’t mean you’ll never have trouble but that Jesus is in control and we need not fear anything. You’ll also have life to the fullest – a fulfilled and satisfied life. Jesus brings purpose and meaning to your life. Have you entered through the door that is Jesus? Have you been saved? Do you feel complete and safe in Him? Are you satisfied and fulfilled with this life? If not, enter into a relationship with Him today. He is the door to eternal, satisfied, and fulfilled life.

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.