The Door

John 10:1 – 21

This passage must be viewed in light of John 9:35 – 41, 10:21 clearly indicates that to be the reference. In case you don’t remember, Jesus had healed a blind man and the Pharisee’s rejected the miracle and Jesus in the process.

There are many in America today who believe that there are many ways to God or that every path leads the same way. Tis passage makes it very clear that according to Jesus there is only one way.

Jesus calls the people of the world sheep and the true Godly leadership shepherds. In Israel at this time, shepherds would place their sheep in a corral after having them out in the pastures. The door of the corral was the only legitimate way in and out. Jesus said He is the door, the only way in or out. He said if anyone tries to come in any other way they are a thief and a robber (they will attempt to steal life, joy, and their very souls for eternity).

The door is a safety net. Anyone who comes and goes throughout the world having gone through the door will have life and have it abundantly. The shepherd, (Pastors and Christian leadership) really care for the sheep and they lead only through the door. If they preach another Gospel, if anyone tries to say there is any other way they are a thief and come to come, to steal and destroy!

Sounds pretty harsh. We would like things to be kinder and gentler at times. We are not dealing with simply a good idea but eternal life and death. Often I will ask people who are saying that Jesus is just one way and that there are many paths, are you will to base your eternity on your opinion?

Believing Jesus is an all or nothing proposition! He is as St. Augustine put it, either a liar, lunatic or He must be Lord. He can be nothing else. He claimed to be God, as we talked about yesterday, so we must either believe that or totally reject Him their can be no idea of His simply being just a good teacher.

God has called us all to be shepherds in our own right. Each one of us has people that we can influence for the Kingdom. Don’t be afraid to stand strong on your beliefs. You are right, whether others believe it or not. You may be the only Jesus than others will ever see. The most freeing, blessed words in the world, you know and He will show you how to share them effectively. God loves all of your friends and family far more than you do. He will guide you to leading them into the truth in a way they can understand if you will allow Him.