The idea of Jesus being a gate has been the most confusing “I Am” statement of Jesus for me. I say this because I usually think of a gate as something that is set up to monitor and stop people from entering a place or space. If this is the case, this becomes a painful view of Jesus, would I really feel loved by Jesus if he is saying that he wants to monitor who is loved and not?
Jesus flips this around (as Jesus tends to do), he follows up his statement with acknowledging that he offers protections, he offers, life. He does not offer these things half-way, he offers them abundantly. This makes me think of my fenced in backyard. We live on a busy street, so the gate to our backyard keeps our kids and dog safe.
There are many things in our life that may try to steal our hope, peace and joy, Jesus offers protection that gives us a breath, offers us grace and mercy. The pain and suffering of the world don’t go away, and Jesus is with us in that, Jesus invites into a space to rest, and heal.
“Jesus, thank you for your protection. Thank you for giving life and love abundantly. Help me to offer this love and life to others. Amen”
Jay Kiel
Tomorrow: “I am the Good Shepherd”
