First we should read John 10.1-10 The Jesus in John's Gospel, as he does here, gives himself memorable titles - I am the Bread of Life, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, I am the Light of the World, I am the True Vine, I am the Good Shepherd and here I am the Gate for the Sheep. Of all these titles this is the most everyday and yet most mysterious. Jesus has the image of Palestinian shepherds around him. He is conscious of the dangers that sheep are exposed to - from wolves, from thieves, from bandits - and the need they have of a firm shepherd and a safe place to spend the night. They need a sheepfold with a stout door. In a sinful world Christians need the protection of Jesus' love. Spiritually he is the door to their souls. He protects us against the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil. We are very conscious at the moment of doors and barriers. Whole days go by without our front door being unlocked. Strangers come to the door to deliver goods and stand back away from the door. When we go to the supermarket, only one person is allowed in. The other person waits outside in the cold or in the car. There is a threshold here over which some people must not cross. It is all very strange, and we don't feel comfortable with this situation. All we can do is go along with what is felt to be best for us and place our trust in the workings of God in our current situation. We have to find some way to understand that God is in this situation, that Jesus is guarding the door for us, and that we will come through soon. John
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AuthorCanon John Green Archives
May 2021
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