May 13, 2019 -- John 10:9 -- Jesus the Door to Abundant Life

I am the door. If anyone enters by me,

he will be saved and will go in and go out and find pasture.

John 10:9 ESV

Jesus is the Door and those who believe in Him enter into eternal life. This is the passage I had the privilege of preaching on Sunday. Jesus is the Door protecting His sheep from strangers and robbers. Jesus is the Door for His sheep, which means we have eternal life in His Name. Those who believe in Jesus express their faith by obedience to Him and His commandments. Such who believe and obey find this eternal life begins now and stretches through eternity. Jesus promised believers will have life and have it abundantly [John 10:10]. Where believers delight in Him and grow in their knowledge of the Infinite God they find life to be rich here on earth and eternity will be splendour beyond comprehension..

Yesterday one of the questions raised in our congregational Sunday School Class was this: “What does it mean for the believer to go in and go out?” Intriguing. It certainly does not mean that believers walk in and out of the security of their salvation. That would make no sense and violates the very sense of security and protection Jesus had just declared Himself to be for His people, the sheep of His pasture. Pastor Stephen Richard suggested one answer and the more I think on it the more I believe that it does catch the meaning of these words; Hebrews 4:18 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Jesus Christ, Who is our salvation, is the the One through Whom we have access to the Father in heaven. We are invited to go to Jesus’ throne room with our prayers and petitions. Jesus brings our joys and sorrows, our requests and praise to His Father on our behalf. From that place of prayer and blessing we go out into the world and carry out the work He gives us. We go having our lives shaped by His Word and Spirit-filled obedience to His commandments. Believers go into Jesus’ presence in prayer and go out and serve assured of His blessing and His protection.

Gracious Saviour, Jesus the Door of salvation and Door to blessing, how great is the salvation You bring to Your people. Today, as we consider the words of scripture and the tremendous promise and blessing contained therein, give us holy boldness to go into Your presence with our prayers, requests and praises. Direct our living by Your Word and Spirit so that all our life in every part will be fellowship with You and so bring honour and pleasure to our Father in heaven. Amen.