Episode 70 - "I am the door" - John 10:

John 10:7   So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

We are just looking at a few verses in this episode. But, look how rich and important is this claim by Jesus. I’ve been mentioning the various “signs” (a.k.a miracles) that John records Jesus performing. But, I haven’t given much attention to this point to the “I am  . . .” statements. Many scholars count seven “I am” claims of Jesus just as they count seven signs. That is true if you’re particular in the criteria for how you count what qualifies. For instance, these scholars don’t count the occurrence of Jesus saying, “Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58) What they are counting is when Jesus adds something else to “I am.” So far, Jesus has said, “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35 and following) Then he said, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) Now, he claims to be the door to the sheepfold. (John 10:7,9)

I mentioned in the last episode that shepherds would construct pens or corrals for sheep to be placed if they were not feeding or being moved. This made it easier to protect the sheep, particularly at night from wild animals and theft. There was only one entrance, one door to this pen. Why then is Jesus using this illustration and calling himself the door? He is claiming to be the ONLY way to God’s protection. 

That is a bold claim. However, he will assert that he is the only way to God as we continue in this book. In these few verses, the claim is made twice; first in verse 7 and then again in verse 9. After the first claim, he basically says that anyone else who has come along and claimed to the Messiah or something special from God is nothing but a thief. 

It’s reasonable to ask how Jesus can make such a claim. Why should we believe him and not think of him on par with anyone else making such claims? He answers that question. First, he says that if anyone comes to him, the true door, that person will come and go to and from the sheepfold and find pasture. What does that mean? It means that those who trust in Jesus will find all the spiritual protection and the spiritual nourishment they need. He says that the thief comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy. We understand that imagery don’t we. The ultimate thief in a spiritual sense is Satan himself. From the Garden of Eden, we read how he deceives and how it leads to death and destruction. Jesus contrasts that with what he is going to do. He says, “I came that they may have life and may have it abundantly.” The basic point is to look at what Jesus offers compared to what others offer. He will lay down his own life for the sake of others.

Thinking of our own western culture, we recall the sexual revolution of the 1960s. There was and continues to be a strong cultural emphasis upon indulging in your own sexual desires. But, do they bring a fulfilled life? No. It brings sexually transmitted diseases, the conception of unwanted children that are often aborted, robbing them of an opportunity for life, and dysfunctional relationships between people. We could think of other examples such as an obsession with money and possessions that never truly fulfill us. These are ideas and a value system that is all about self-gratification. These things steal, kill, and destroy so much of the good that God offers us.

What a challenge it can be to ignore some opportunities that give an allure of excitement and offer us a false sense of happiness; only afterward do we see how shallow and harmful they can be. Only by trusting Jesus can we find true purpose and value in living according to God’s plan; finding fulfillment in His way.