I AM the Gate

Nick Jenkins

Sunday Morning’s message 15th June 2025

Jesus is the only true way to life, safety, and salvation—both now and forever.

John 10:1–10 "Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Jesus declares that He is the gate through which His sheep find salvation, protection, and abundant life.

Metaphor of the Gate

• Jesus uses the familiar image of shepherding to explain spiritual truth.

• In ancient Israel, two types of sheepfolds were common:

  1. Village sheepfolds (permanent, guarded by a gatekeeper)

  2. Wilderness sheepfolds (temporary, where the shepherd became the gate by lying in the doorway)

     
     

Context: John 9

• Jesus heals a man born blind. The Pharisees nitpick the healing rather than celebrate the miracle.

• They end up excommunicating the healed man, revealing their spiritual blindness and rigid legalism.

  
  

Explanation of the Passage (John 10:1–10)

• vv. 1–2: Jesus rebukes false leaders (Pharisees) who bypass God’s way—calling them thieves and robbers. They have not looked after the sheep (God’s people).

• vv. 3–4: The sheep recognize their true shepherd by his voice—Jesus leads with intimacy, not coercion.

• v. 5: Followers of Jesus develop discernment; they run from false voices.

• vv. 6–7: Jesus emphasizes: “I am the gate.” He alone provides access to the sheepfold—security, belonging, salvation.

• v. 9: “Enter through me and be saved.” This is both present and eternal salvation (sozo = saved, healed, delivered, made whole).

• v. 10: Jesus offers abundant life—life overflowing, full of joy, purpose, and restoration.

  
  

Discussion Questions

For All

1. What does it mean to you that Jesus calls Himself “the gate”?

2. In what ways have you experienced Jesus leading, protecting, or calling you by name?

3. How can you practice discernment in a world full of voices claiming truth?

4. What would “abundant life” look like for you personally?

   
   

For Seasoned Believers

1. Can you relate to the Pharisees in any way—missing the point while doing the “right” things?

2. How might legalism, pride, or nitpicking quench a move of the Holy Spirit?

   
   

For New Believers or Seekers

1. What are your thoughts on Jesus’ exclusive claim to be the way to salvation?

2. What kinds of “gates” or paths have you seen people try to enter through besides Jesus?

Personal Reflection

• Have I been following the Shepherd’s voice—or someone else’s?

• Do I live like Jesus is the gate—my daily source of life and peace?

• Where might I need to let go of self-righteousness or fear?

  
  

Closing Prayer

Jesus thank you that you are the gate to salvation, wholeness, healing, deliverance and abundant life. You are all we need! Protect us from the trap of legalism, being judgmental or being caught up in details but missing the point. We want more of you and want to make room for a greater move of your Spirit. May our hunger for you and our love for one another create space for MORE! Praise Jesus. Amen