The Door of the Sheep
John 10: 7-10
In the opening verses of this chapter, Jesus discussed the benefits associated with being in the sheepfold. While inside the fold, the sheep enjoyed rest, peace, and security. The shepherd watched over and cared for the sheep within the fold. He was familiar with each one, calling them by name, while leading them in and out of the fold. The sheep gladly followed the shepherd, trusting in his gracious care for them.
Jesus also warned of those who came to deceive. These sought to be perceived as the shepherd but had come in some other way. These were not genuine shepherds, but those who originated from a different source, following a different path. Jesus described these as thieves and robbers – those who had no concern for the well-being of the sheep.
Having shared the benefits of the sheepfold and warned of false shepherds, some were still confused about the true meaning of Jesus’ words. Clearly one would understand and appreciate the door of the sheepfold. It was an essential element in the design of the sheepfold. To help them better understand, Jesus continued to share truth regarding the sheep and the sheepfold. He reveals another one of the great I Am statements, declaring Himself to be the door. As we examine the assurances revealed in the text, I want to consider: The Door of the Sheep.
I. The Prominence of the Door (7-9) – As Jesus begins to describe Himself as the Door of the sheepfold, He reveals the prominence of the door. Through His words we discover:
A. The Entrance (7, 9a) – Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. [9] I am the door. Jesus had spoken of the door into the sheepfold earlier in this passage. He revealed Himself as the Shepherd with legitimate access to the fold. Now He declares that He too is the door of the sheepfold. He remains the Shepherd, and He is also the only door or means of entrance into the fold. Acts 4:12 – Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
We need to understand what Jesus was speaking of here. He was painting a mental picture that all who heard would comprehend. He is not speaking of a door like the ones we are familiar with. In that day, sheep were kept in an enclosure of stone or branches formed into a wall. An opening was left for an entrance, but there was no literal door hung on hinges. The shepherd became the door of the sheepfold as he laid in the narrow passage way. He was literally their door, their defense, and stay.
B. The Resistance (8) – All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. Others had come prior to Christ promising acceptance to God, but they were only thieves and robbers. They sought to instill principles that required sums of money given, works performed, or rituals upheld. These never brought reconciliation to God and only robbed people of their time, money, and peace. Man has always sought another way to please God rather than through Christ. They resist the notion that He is the way of forgiveness and eternal life.
Surely many were deceived, but those who sought the Lord and were sensitive to His guidance did not fall victim to such false doctrine. They embraced the truths of God’s Word and recognized Jesus as the Christ. We too are surrounded by many who claim a different way, but we have received truth in Christ. The sheep of His fold will not heed the voice of strangers.
C. The Abundance (9) – I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. Jesus reveals the great abundance we enjoy through Him. Consider:
1. Our Salvation – by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved. All who come to Him shall be saved. He doesn’t reveal a chance of salvation, but a certainty of salvation. John 6:37 – All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
2. Our Security – by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out. We also have the glorious privilege of going in and out. Now, don’t misunderstand the text. Jesus is not referring to multiple salvation experiences. The saved are eternally secure in Him. This is referring to the liberty and assurance we have in Christ our Lord. We no longer have to fear death or the storms of this life. We have confidence we are going to make it through Christ. 2 Tim.1:12 – For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
3. Our Satisfaction – by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. This is a concept that many in Jesus’ day were familiar with. The shepherd led the sheep to abundant pastures. It has the idea of “plenty, not wanting or lacking the necessities of life.” It is good to be led of the Great Shepherd to His pastures green. I have never found Him lacking in His care for me and I have never wanted while feasting upon His abundant supply. The world has nothing to compare with the pastures of the Lord. I have nothing to look back for or return unto.
II. The Protection in the Door (10a) – The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. Jesus had warned of thieves and robbers who sought to gain entrance unto the sheepfold from some other way. The door provided much needed protection for the sheep. Consider:
A. The Opportunity for Danger (10a) – The sheepfold was built to provide safety and security for the sheep. This would not have been necessary if there had not been dangers surrounding the sheep. Having a sheepfold in which to gather the sheep would provide the security needed to care for the sheep and prevent their hurt. Jesus in essence emphasized the need for the sheepfold and the door to protect from the dangers that lurked around the sheep. Thieves and robbers were often found near the sheep herds. The shepherd and the sheep needed to be continually aware of those who sought to bring harm to the sheep. The opportunity for danger was apparent and very real at any moment.
It is important that we understand the opportunity for danger that lurks around us at any given moment. Sheep are relatively defenseless animals, depending upon the shepherd to defend them. Apart from the shepherd or wandering around outside the sheepfold always presents an opportunity for danger. Our adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. We must stay near to the shepherd, the door of the sheepfold, if we are to be secure and survive the enemy’s attack.
B. The Objective in Danger (10a) – The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. Jesus described the objective of the thief as he approached the sheepfold. He had not come to check on the welfare of the sheep or provide for them; he always came to bring about violence and devastation. The thief came to steal sheep from the sheepfold. I know the devil cannot steal us away from the Lord – we are secure in His mighty hand. However, he would like to lead you away from the Door, out of the sheepfold, separating you from the Shepherd. He would like to steal your joy and your peace. He would like to hinder your walk with the Lord.
The thief also comes to kill and destroy. He takes pleasure in leaving destruction and devastation behind. He wants to do all he can to hurt, hinder, and scatter the sheep. We must understand the desires of the enemy, while staying close to the Shepherd for protection. Many Christian lives have faced much hurt and devastation because they left the safety of the sheepfold to follow the desires of the flesh. The enemy has no intention of helping you in the way. He wants to abuse you and bring about as much suffering and devastation as possible. We must abide in the sheepfold, near the Door, if we are to enjoy spiritual victory.
III. The Promise through the Door (10b) – I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Jesus revealed a great contrast between the Door of the sheepfold and the thief who came to steal and destroy. Consider:
A. The Lord’s Purpose (10b) – I am come that they might have life. These had yet to comprehend the reason for Jesus’ coming to earth, but He shared His purpose. He came that sheep might have life. He came to break the curse of sin that leads to eternal death. Jesus came to provide the perfect sacrifice for sin, delivering us from death, forgiving our sin, and reconciling us to God. He will go on to declare that He is the good shepherd, coming with purpose. John 10:11 – I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
B. The Lord’s Provision (10b) – I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Jesus had not come just to secure life; He came to provide abundant life. This speaks of “super-abundance, life beyond measure.” Jesus had not come for His sheep to merely exist in life – He came to give life abundantly. He came to provide joy and victory. He came to provide peace and assurance. He came that we might know Him and enjoy fellowship with Him in this life. There is no reason for the believer to live a life of defeat. We are promised abundant life in Christ. Such abundance will be enjoyed as long as we abide in the sheepfold, near the Door.
We tend to think of such abundance to be beyond reach in this life. Many assume such abundant life is reserved for heaven. While heaven will exceed our wildest dreams, bringing life as we have never known, we can enjoy abundant life at this moment in Christ. Jesus speaks of present opportunity and blessing. We have much more at our disposal than we realize. There is abundant life in Christ at this moment in time. We don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to enjoy the blessing and abundance of our Lord. 1 Cor.2:9 – But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Conclusion: I am thankful for the Door of the sheep. Jesus came to provide life abundant and eternal for those who come to Him by faith. Are you among the sheep of His fold? Do you know Christ as your Lord and Savior? If not, I urge you to come to Him in repentance and faith unto salvation. If you are saved, rejoice in the abundance available through Him. You don’t have to live life in defeat and despair. Jesus is able to deliver and provide for you in abundance. Come to Him with the needs you have!
