“I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture” (John 10:9). This is one of the seven “I am” statements that Jesus makes in John’s Gospel. Over the next seven days we will be meditating on each of those statements. We are reminded here that when Moses asked God what name he should give to the Israelites when they ask for the name of the One who sent him to them, God replied, “I AM who I AM” (Exodus 3:14).

We believe that Jesus is the second Person of the Holy Trinity, that he is the Only Begotten Son of God. Therefore, when we here Jesus make these “I AM” statements, we understand that it is God saying them in and through him. He is One with the I AM of Moses on Mt. Sinai. We understand that each one of these “I AM” statements speaks the divine truth of God. What does Jesus mean then when he calls himself “the gate”? Christians understand that the gate to salvation is the cross. We pray always for the wisdom to recognize this, and for the courage to follow the way of the cross each and every day.

Jesus is the only gate through which divine salvation entered the world and through which those who are saved can enter into the kingdom of heaven. As Jesus tells us, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Mt. 7:13-14). This should give all of us, especially we who believe in Jesus Christ, enough to meditate on and to practice for our entire lives. In a world that worships anything and everything but God, it is often difficult to find the narrow road. Everything militates against it. But we must find it, and walk it, if we wish to enter the kingdom of God.

The gate to salvation is narrow, small. The road to it is narrow and straight. It has its road signs, and they are clear, precise, and true. They are the commandments of God. Obedience to these commandments keeps us “on the straight and narrow” as the old statement goes. They teach us self-discipline and our responsibility toward God and others. While the narrow road may be difficult, even impossible, without the grace of God, those who have willingly followed the way, will enter through the narrow gate into the heavenly kingdom, forever.

Lord, give us eyes to see and wills to obey your commandments. You have told us to knock and the door would be opened to us. You are the doorway into our everlasting joy. Help us to remain on the narrow path each and every day. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen!

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