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

John 10:7-10

Upon re-reading John 10, this is the first time I can recall hearing the words, “I am the gate.”  Obviously I have read it, but perhaps I have always focused on others parts of the chapter more.

So today I have been meditating on what it means for Jesus to be my gate.  And here is what I have concluded.

A gate has always meant protection.  Once the gates to the city were closed, most were impenetrable.  See a gate has 1 job.  To keep the dangers of the world out, to lock the citizens inside a safe environment and to protect them from the attacks of the world outside.

At least, that is the way I see it.  I suppose many could see it in the opposite way.  A heavy locked gate could signify a prison just as easily I guess.  But for me, to say “Jesus is my gate,” is to say  “Jesus is my protector.”  I am safe from harm when the world rages outside.  As He stands between me and the enemy that wants to tear me down, I have no fear.  Because nothing is coming through that gate that isn’t supposed to.  It is heavy, and strong, and solid, and trustworthy.

This is a cornerstone of my relationship with Him, my trust in His constant presence and concern for me.  What does this scripture me for you, my friends?  How is Jesus “your gate?”

Grace and peace to you.