Jesus Promises His Protection

John 10:7-9 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture.”
&
John 10:17 “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life – only to take it up again.”  
 
A gate is essential for the good care of livestock. The gate to the sheep pen protected sheep at night from predators and thieves. Sometimes physical gates were not available where a shepherd would keep his sheep at night. So a protecting shepherd became the living gate who would lie down at the entrance to the sheep pen, so he could keep the sheep safe.
   Then note the protecting gate also was also the providing gate. “Whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture.” Jesus is not a gate that locks you into a desolate pen. Not only does he open the gate wide to welcome you into his fold as you confess him, “My risen Savior and Lord.” he is the Gate who opens your way into a nourishing life of his living water and daily bread.
   Through the apostle Paul,  the Holy Spirit urges us to trust Jesus’ power to protect: 2 Thessalonians 3:2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the LORD is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We know he has the power to protect our lives because he is risen from the dead, so we will live in him. When we may doubt Jesus’ authority to “deliver us from evil the evil one” (Matthew 6:13b) we can turn to the Gate’s Word to remember he willingly lay down his life. The Father, Son and Spirit mercifully and sacrificially have acted to save you from the thief, Satan. In the Spirit’s authority, the Gate is alive, guarding you each day. What pleasure it is to know our Gate is constantly vigilant to protect you in the sheepfold and protect your eternal life as you walk among his green pastures.
   Christians, you are called to be a living gate for your family, church and community. As Jesus loved the Father, so should you love the Triune God. Trust and rest in Jesus’ promise to protect his own. Be a gate for others.