John 10:7-10 : Jesus therefore said to them again, “Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep’s door. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture. The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

This is somewhat of a surprise. Jesus says that in the story from last post, that He is the Door. I am very glad for this explanation because it isn’t obvious that a door would represent a person.

Here we see again the exclusivity of Christianity. There is no other way to life or salvation, according to the Bible, that is acceptable to God but through Jesus. He is the only legitimate door. Others had already tried to promote a way to life or salvation that isn’t through Jesus, are described here as “thieves and robbers.” We can be assured, though, that Jesus does not like it when the robbers get in and begin to “steal, kill and destroy.” Fortunately, the sheep don’t listen.

True people of Jesus run from strangers because they don’t recognize their voice. True people of Jesus will naturally follow Jesus because, as we learned earlier, the Father draws them to Him. Notice that Jesus is preaching that the sheep listen only to Him. No other leader has the attention of the people of Jesus, only Him.

Jesus is the only way for us to be saved. As we talked about before, this refers to not being under the judgment of God for our sin. We find out here that it also means that he is the doorway to “abundant” life, or “the super-fulfilling” life. Sheep spend a lot of life in the pasture. They really are simple creatures, and if you think about it, we are too. We even like to follow like they do. Without someone to follow we are not happy sheep. Jesus says He will provide more than enough of all we need. He wants us to be happy, healthy and living with plenty of that which we actually need. This may not include money, however, sheep don’t really need money. They need food, water, rest and someone to follow. Listen to this famous Psalm from the Bible:

Psalm 23 :
Yahweh is my shepherd:
I shall lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil.
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.