17 - The Door
Scripture Passages: John 10:7-21, Ezekiel 34:11-24
Devotional
Today, as we continue our 21 Days in the Word, studying the names of God, we come to His declaration, “I am the door.” Found in John 10, this statement is part of a rich illustration about shepherds and sheep. To those listening, the imagery of a sheepfold would have been familiar—a secure enclosure often made of stones and guarded by the shepherd himself, who would lie across the opening to protect the flock. Jesus used this everyday picture to reveal deep spiritual truths about who He is and what He offers.
The Door is Jesus
Jesus begins by making it plain: “I am the door of the sheep” (John 10:7). A door is an access point, and Jesus is declaring that He is the only way to enter into God’s family. There’s no other way to salvation. This echoes what Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
False teachers and religious leaders in Jesus’ day claimed authority over the people, but their motives were selfish and destructive. Jesus compared them to thieves and robbers who only sought to harm the sheep. He, on the other hand, is the true door, offering safety and salvation. He is the living way to eternal life.
The Door is Security
Jesus continued, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:9). This phrase, “go in and out,” was a Jewish expression of freedom and safety. Through Jesus, believers have the security of knowing they are cared for and protected by their Shepherd.
In a world filled with uncertainty, this is a comforting truth. The door of Jesus leads to peace and provision, as seen in Psalm 23:2-3: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.” Religion often brings bondage through endless rules and works, but Jesus offers true freedom in salvation.
The Door is Abundant Life
Jesus doesn’t just provide access and security—He offers abundance. “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
The abundant life Jesus promises isn’t about material wealth or worldly success. It’s a life full of peace, joy, and purpose. It’s a life that is free from the destructive grip of sin. The world offers its version of abundance—pleasure, power, and possessions—but it leaves people empty and enslaved. Jesus’ abundant life is different. It satisfies the soul and brings freedom to live as God intended. This promise is for everyone. Jesus said, “If any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9). No one is excluded from this invitation. Have you entered through the door? Have you found the abundant life Jesus offers?
The image of the door reminds us that there is only one way to God. It’s not through religion, good works, or self-effort—it’s through Jesus Christ alone. He is the door. He is our access to God, our safety, and our abundant life.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being the door to salvation, safety, and abundant life. Help me to recognize and follow Your voice, and to find rest and peace in You. Guard my heart against false voices, and lead me to walk daily in the freedom and joy You provide. In Jesus’ name, Amen.