Jesus said, “I Am the Door.”
Why did Jesus say, “I Am the Door?” Ray continues the I AM series by examining the meaning of the phrase, and its relevance for us today.
The Purpose of a Door
Doors and gates provide access to areas that are otherwise inaccessible. A door is usually a hinged entrance to a building or room. A gate serves a similar purpose but is usually placed in an opening in a wall, fence, or hedge that opens out into a field, park or other similar outdoor enclosed area.
When my wife and I lived in Ireland we enjoyed the splashes of colour that the Dublin “Georgian Doors” brought to otherwise drab brick buildings. Their colours attracted the eye and drew attention to the properties.
Chinese Doors
When living in China, we also enjoyed visiting Beijing where we delighted in the “hutongs” or narrow alleyways that separated the traditional Chinese courtyard homes so common in Northern China.
Typical Chinese courtyard homes are enclosed by four walls which form part of the home, and have only one entrance, ideally on the south wall. Usually the head of the family would live in the main rooms situated on the north wall and that faced south across the courtyard. In addition, the inner courtyard would have various rooms and buildings around the walls. Some were residential in purpose, others were for storage or various activities.
The exterior walls can appear formidable and it is impossible to see inside the courtyard unless the doors are open. The Chinese courtyard home thus provided privacy for the family and a level of protection for their possessions. The double doors on the south wall were quite substantial and would provide access to the interior courtyard which, depending on the wealth of the owners could be very attractive. This courtyard was a haven from the hustle and bustle and potential dangers of the outside world. Inside the walls the visitor would find safety, security, family and friendship.
Jesus Says “I am the Door”
In John Chapter 10, Jesus describes Himself as a point of access. Depending on which version of the Bible you use, Jesus describes Himself as the door or gate. However, for the purpose of this discussion, I am using the ESV version where Jesus plainly said:
Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. John 10:9 ESV
Either way, the point is the same. Jesus provides access. In addition, the entranceway is designed for the purpose of sheep. So what did Jesus mean when He said this?
Once again, Jesus is speaking figuratively. The sheep represent us and the door represents Jesus. The statement is one of a series known as “The I AM Statements of Jesus.” Jesus used these statements to explain deeper truths by providing His listeners with everyday examples that they would understand.
Sheep Need Safe Havens
Shepherds were commonplace in Israel in Jesus time. The temple complex in Jerusalem in particular required large quantities of the animal for the sacrifices being offered there by the Jewish people. Sheep dotted the Judean hillsides in great numbers and were always in danger of wandering off or being devoured by wolves.
Shepherds created sheep pens to provide for the needs of their sheep. Unlike the sheep pens that we visualize when we think of those fluffy British animals that seem to wander all over the countryside, the pens were not made of wood, but stone. If the pen was large enough, multiple flocks might be herded into a pen at night for protection, with a shepherd or hired hand guarding the entrance. Often, the shepherd Himself would act as the door, sitting or laying down in the entrance to prevent predators entering.
Jesus is saying then, that He is the door, or gate leading to security. Note that in verse 9 He says:
I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
It is through Jesus, and Jesus alone that we enter into salvation and security. Jesus provides us with a way into the very presence of God. This is in direct contrast to the Jewish leaders who should have been providing their people with access to God yet who cast the formerly blind man out of the synagogue in John 9. In this case, the Jewish religious leaders are acting as the door into the synagogue and religious security. But they are holding the door shut. To enter into the synagogue required their blessing. However, to enter into the family of God, we must go through Jesus. There is no other way. Don’t be deceived by those who say that there are multiple ways to enter into the safety and security of God’s kingdom.
Stealing and Giving
However, there are always those who wish to take advantage of the flock. They are robbers and thieves and Jesus also warns us of their evil plans. These predators have one purpose. Their sole purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. Contrast their purpose with that of Jesus:
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Jesus does not take, Jesus gives. He is in the business of giving, not taking. Jesus, promises that His followers will have a life that is richer, deeper and fuller. He is the Messiah of the sheep. He is the one who cares deeply for their spiritual wellbeing. We cannot hope to find true meaning and satisfaction in life without Him. He is the entranceway to the life for which we were created. Whatever our past, Jesus brings us into a life that is better than we ever imagined it could be.
What does it mean for you to know that Jesus is the Door? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Ray Marshall
Ray Marshall was born in Scotland but emigrated to Canada in 1977 where he met his wife Kelly. In the 1990’s, Ray and Kelly served as missionaries in both Ireland and Ecuador, and after returning to Canada, they served as church planters in Belleville.
Between 2009 and 2014, Ray and Kelly spent several years teaching ESL in China. Ray currently works primarily for the Navigators of Canada as a community mentor, reaching out to international students; visiting scholars and professors; and immigrants.
He has also been providing Digital Media support for FBHInternational, and HopeStreamRadio since 2011.
More Podcasts Below:
More Blogs:
Ready for Takeoff – Trust in God
Images courtesy of:
House Door – travelspot
Georgian Doors in Dublin – ptrabattoni
Chinese Door – Author’s Collection
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