We've already looked at the first two claims, now let's dig into the next three. Let’s look at statement number three- found in John 10 verse 9. Jesus said, I am the door. No matter where you are in the world the buildings around you always have an entrance and every entrance has a door. The kingdom of Heaven is no different, Jesus is the only way to enter the kingdom of heaven. The only way to see the Father is through the son.
"Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures." - John 10:9
Statement number four- Jesus said I am the true vine, found in John 15:1. Fruit will grow on a vine only if the vine was planted in good soil. When planted in the right soil the fruit will blossom and grow bigger and bigger. However when the vine in planted in thorn infested ground it will produce nothing but thorns. Our lives are much the same, when we allow Jesus to enter into our lives he gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will produce many fruits in our lives. Fruits of a different kind like- love, joy and peace just to name a few.
"I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener." - John 15:1
Now let’s take a look at statement number five – Jesus said I am the good shepherd, found in John chapter 10 verse 11. Sheep do not exist without a shepherd. Sheep need the shepherd to guide, feed and protect them. Without the shepherd the sheep would be eaten by an wild animal or lost. We are much like sheep, we wander around aimlessly in search of something we can never find on our own. Jesus like the good shepherd comes along and puts us in his protection and grace. He would have died on the cross even if it was just for one person who did not know the good shepherd. Death is an imminent thing, no matter if your rich or poor one day you will pass away.
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep." - John 10:11
He is good and He is kind, friends! Hold tight to that truth no matter what life may throw your way and remember you are loved with an everlasting love. I love the thought that Jesus is the good shepherd. I'm sure a lot of you have heard the parable of the lost sheep, but just in case you haven't I'll summarize it for you. The parable is found in Luke 15, Jesus says, suppose you have a flock of one hundred sheep, and one of them goes missing. Would you stay with the ninety-nine and forget about the one? Or would you leave the ninety-nine to go after the one? The good shepherd leaves the ninety-nine in search of the one lost sheep, searching for it until it is found and when he finds the sheep he will carry it back and rejoice. He will call his friends and neighbors together to celebrate with him over the sheep once lost, but now found. Likewise, there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents and returns to God than over the ninety-nine others who have not strayed away!
I love that! Jesus is the good shepherd and His love for His sheep (children) will never fail. We serve a good and faithful God friends, life is hard and messy, but our God is good and He is kind.
Much Love Friends,
Alianna