I Am the Gate
“I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. … Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through Me will be saved.”
John 10:7, 9a (NLT)
One of the criticisms Christians get is being narrow-minded. How can we say that Jesus is the only way to God? Doesn’t that seem to be a bit exclusive? The truth is that Jesus is the only way to the Father. In John 14:6 (NKJV), Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
The article in that statement is a definite article: I am the way, not a way. To object or complain would be as silly as rejecting the only anti-venom available for a poisonous snake bite. Who would do that? The problem is that we’ve all been bitten by the same serpent that tempted Eve in the garden, and the venom of sin is killing us. The good news is that there is an anti-venom that can save us and is available upon request.
In John 10, Jesus makes the same kind of exclusive claim when He says, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before Me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through Me will be saved.” John 10:7-9a (NLT)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus added, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” Matthew 7:13 (NLT)
Once we enter that narrow gate, we can experience a full and meaningful life! When Jesus said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved,” He added this: “He 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 10:9b-10 (NIV)
If you want to experience a full and meaningful life, enter through the narrow gate. Like a well-fed lamb, you’ll enjoy grazing in the provision of God’s limitless grace.
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.