“Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 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, 9-10
“I am the gate” is a metaphor where Jesus compares Himself to the gate that controlled access to the safety of the sheep pen. He alone provides access to eternal life. Unfortunately, religious leaders of Jesus’ day cared far more for their own profit and welfare than for God’s sheep.
“May have life … to the full” means that everlasting life comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through any other means. The thieves take life; the shepherd gives it. “Life to the full” includes salvation, nourishment, healing, and much more, including eternal life, God’s life. It speaks not only of endlessness, but of quality of life. With Christ, life on earth can reach much higher quality, and then in heaven it will be complete and perfect. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
God’s blessings on your day…