Jesus said, "I am the Door."
The neighbors installed this marvelous sliding glass door in
their basement. Not knowing anything about architectural history, I can’t claim
that it was a radically new invention, but as a ten year old this was a novel experience—a
totally see-through door, like it wasn’t even there! As kids, we would spend
hours in the basement, playing board games, cops and robbers, make-believe. And
so, when they installed the glass door, it was bound to happen. One day,
running around playing tag, I shot out of the basement, determined not to be caught...
and ran right into the glass plate door. After they picked up the pieces (of
me, not the glass door, which didn’t break), our neighbors put a big strip of
masking tape across the door at eye level—tape which remained there long after
I had left the neighborhood.
The last two letters from Jesus to the churches in
Revelation, the letters to Philadelphia and Laodicea, both feature “doors.” The
Author uses this symbol to highlight key aspects of His relationship with the
Church and with each individual.
The imagery of a door in Scripture is a familiar one: Paul
uses it to describe the opportunity to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles
(Acts 14:27), to do effective ministry in the face of opposition (1 Corinthians
16:9), or preaching in general (2 Corinthians 2:12). Jesus describes coming to
know God in the parable of the narrow door (Luke 13:22-28), and in the parable
of the ten virgins, a shut door figure prominently in Jesus’ point.
However, the most significant use of the symbol of the door
is Jesus’ own self-identification—“I am the door of the sheep… If anyone enters
by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:7-9).
While the imagery is somewhat self-evident, some elaboration might help. Jesus’
statement is wrapped up in His self-identification as the Good Shepherd. It is
well known that sheep are not very bright, nor are they able to care for
themselves. For a flock of sheep to thrive, a good shepherd—one who is caring,
conscientious, and dedicated—is necessary. Jesus connects His care for us with
a shepherd’s care for his sheep; as a good shepherd protects and nurtures the
flock, so is Jesus to His disciples.
The “door” imagery works in when the shepherd brings the
flock into a sheephold for the night. The sheep come into a penned-in area
through a narrow gap in the fencing; while inside, the sheep are safe, as long
as nothing threatening comes through the gap nor the sheep wander outside. The
good shepherd prevents such happenings by laying himself down across the gap,
effectively becoming a doorway which protects the flock. No sheep can leave,
nothing can enter without the shepherd-door knowing it. Of course, the imagery
is perfect—Jesus lays down His life, protecting and guarding His flock, so that
we might be safe in every way. The only way into safety is through the door.
Only through Jesus are we secure. Any other trust, any other “protection” will
surely fail.
Every day we are confronted by other claims for safety and
security—how we are to stay emotionally safe, secure in our identity, protected
from harm. While there might be something insightful in each of these, the
only, final true way to the presence of the Lord is by Christ. Like a glass door,
entering the wrong way might look good, but it will lead to pain and sorrow. To
enter by the Door, to come to know God by the saving work of Jesus Christ, is
the only true path to salvation. I invite you to the true Door as we worship
together this Sunday.
Read Revelation 3:7-13.
1. As you may know, “Philadelphia” means “city of brotherly
love.” What hopes and expectations might you have to name a city,
“Philadelphia”?
2. List out the traits Jesus gives Himself in verse 7. What
do each imply/mean when applied to Jesus?
3. What door is set before us? Why is the imagery helpful
here? The fact that the door cannot be shut by others means what for our
salvation?
4. The encouragement Jesus gives in verse 8 is two-fold:
“kept my word” and “not denied my name.” How would both look here at Hebron? In
your own life?
5. In verse 10 we are told that Jesus will “keep us from the
hour of trial.” Some think that means we will be removed from the earth before
things get really bad. What other ways are there to think about this phrase?
6. List out the three promises Jesus gives to the one who
conquers (vs. 12). What do each have in common? How might they look fulfilled
in your life?
7. What is your overall impression of this church? Is Jesus
pleased with it, or concerned? What ways are Hebron similar/dissimilar?
