Who Is Jesus?Sample

“I AM the Gate.”

Have you ever gone over to a buddy’s place for an evening get-together?

You arrive a few minutes late, and as you approach the house, you hear the music, and through the front window, you can see the guys having a good time.

The only thing standing between you and the warmth, fun, and laughter within is a door.

You’re not going to climb through a window. You’re not going break through the roof or come down the chimney.

You’ve got one choice: if the door isn’t opened for you, I guess you are not going in.

It's dark outside and maybe a bit lonely. But then, all of a sudden, the door swings open, and the light and joy spill out over you, welcoming you in.

A door (or a gate) separates one space from another.

Jesus said that He was “the Gate.”

So, what was He separating?

He was separating the world of darkness, emptiness, and danger from the world of welcome, safety, and life.

He said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, but I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

If a person enters through that Gate, they will discover the true life that Jesus offers to them.

There are all kinds of other doors to choose from. They can offer great excitement within. They hang a shingle above them to let you know that if you choose that door, you won’t be disappointed.

Sometimes, I wonder how many doors I will have to explore before I realize they are all lying.

Jesus is the only Door—the only Gate—through which a man can find eternal life.

Are you entering through that door? Are you experiencing His life to the full?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You for making a way for me to come into Your presence. I know that this is a narrow door on a narrow road. There are broad doors on wide roads, but they all lead to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). Help me always to choose You in every situation. Keep me from falling into the temptation to try those other doors. You are the only One who can give me life. Amen

Reflection: What do the distracting and tempting “other doors” look like in your life? Why are they so tempting? What does it look like for you to be a man who chooses the door that is Jesus?