Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever 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.
John 10:7-10
Scripture Notes
It is hard for us to imagine a single, restrictive limitation on entering the Kingdom of God. We like to think our freedom opens many avenues to reaching the Lord. But we are reminded that only Christ would leave the safe ninety-nine sheep to find the single lost lamb. Those who are not the shepherd are considered thieves and robbers, but the message here is not about the Devil trying to lure us out of safety. Jesus is calling out the self-righteous, corrupt, manipulative leaders. Men in the community who were considered profound, important, and highly influential. Just because people speak like believers, use scripture, or even profess God’s sanction does not mean it is true. Like Hezekiah, who was told by the field commander that the Lord had called Assyria to attack the Israelites, we are not to believe God would abandon us (2 Kings 18). We need to be watchful for the Satan who prowls like a lion (1 Peter 5:8), but we also need to be cautious of wolves in sheep’s clothing, those who attack the truth of our faith from the outside and from within.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12
Christ is the gate, the entrance, the mediator, the tie that brings us back into communion with God. No other being can repair the brokenness of the Fall of Man except a man without fault. Jesus was fully man and fully God, and is our only way to salvation. Some might think there are other acceptable ways to spiritual connection, rebirth, and entrance into the Kingdom, but we are continually told there is one way in. Those who truly are reconnected to the Father will not listen to the thieves and the robbers. True believers have ears for the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
1 John 5:20
We always have free will. We can follow the shepherd, turn away, or return. There is no forced love, only love, if we choose to accept it. There is also life. An abundant life so rich and fulfilling that our minds cannot comprehend it. This richness is not in material wealth, career success, or desire. It is quite the opposite. It is seeing more clearly the emptiness of what this world offers and believing in God’s promises. Abundant life is not a belief in a fountain of youth that will sustain our physical bodies. Christ is the bearer of life, shining in a sea of darkness. Death is not defeat, and we can have eternal life with Him who came to this world not to condemn but to save (John 3:17).
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
John 1:4
If we have the opportunity for life, why do we follow those who only wish to steal and destroy? A section in the Chronicles of Narnia illustrates this struggle well. Aslan explains that on His mountain, near Him, His voice is clear, but down in the midst of cities and among others, His voice will be drowned out. We, as believers, need to be aware of the thick layer of voices that try to choke out God’s Word. Many are convincing, but we must test the spirits (John 3:17). We must also remember that spiritual vibrancy is neither performative nor necessarily visible. It is found in steadfast faith, self-sacrifice, humility, and compassion despite pushback.
He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Ephesians 2:17-18
MEMORY VERse
Francis Seymour Haden. A Salmon River, Date unknown. The Cleveland Museum of Art
Related Verses
More verses about salvation and fullness:
Prayer Invitation
Application Questions
- How can you discern when it is God speaking to you and when it is the cunning voice of the enemy? If you are unable to distinguish between them, what should your first step be to better differentiate these voices in the future?
- Who or what are the thieves and robbers in your life? How are they actively undermining your peace or trying to dismantle your faith?
- Are you accepting God’s presence, or are you trying to pursue your purpose through self-reliance? How does knowing that your heart and soul are securely protected change how you perceive your constant worries and anxieties?
- Are you viewing “abundant life” through the lens of Christ’s teachings or of culture? How can you either begin or better align your attitude, actions, and purpose with the Lord rather than pursue worldly success or materialism?
- What steps do you need to take to better follow the Good Shepherd and to gain rest and peace?
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