What does Jesus mean when He says that He is “…the gate for the sheep…whoever enters through me will be saved” (John 10:7,9).
SERMON OUTLINE
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (John 10:9)
Context—John 9
The Thieves and Robbers
News vs. Good News
The Gate and The Shepherd
Reflection Points
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Read John 10:7-10 again. What are your first impressions?
- Read John 9 for context. Each person is wrestling with how to respond to the question,“Who is Jesus?”(The disciples, the blind man, the people, the Pharisees, the man’s parents, Jesus). How does each respond?
- Jesus answers definitively as the “Son of Man”. Remember back to the series on Daniel.What does this phrase mean? (Watch the Bible Project’s new Son of Man video online if needed) 4. Contrast Jesus’ answer with the Pharisee’s response to the blind man in John 9:28-29.
- How can religion blind us from the truth of the Gospel?
- Returning to John 10, read John 10:1-6. Notice how Jesus initially answers graciously with much imagery. Discuss / reflect on the imagery he uses.
- Since the Pharisees did not understand the imagery, Jesus becomes much more direct in John 10:7-10. Now with all the context, how has your impression changed?
- Read Romans 3:10-18 & Ephesians 2:1-3. Adding this to the context of John 10, what does it say about the phrase “all who have come before me”?
- Jesus then makes the statement that he is the gate. What are your thoughts on Jesus claiming He alone is the path to salvation.
- Putting it another way, what is different about Jesus’ path (and the Christian faith) than all other religions?
- Biblical statements about the brokenness of man in the New Testament are almost always a lead-in for the core truth about Christianity. Read John 3:16-21, Romans 5:6-11 Ephesians 2:4-10 as bookends to the verses we’ve already read.
- These are the fundamental truths about Christianity, but they can often remain an intellectual exercise rather than a relational experience with God. How do you experience these truths? As a comforting thought, a theological blueprint, or a relationship?
- For those of you who have been walking with God for some time, use these times of hearing the Gospel again as a chance to take inventory of how your walk with God is doing. How is your walk compared to last year, 5 years ago, 10, or more.
DIG DEEPER
A.W. Tozer once shared a series of questions for a Christian to take inventory of where their priorities are. Reflect on these questions as a way to take inventory of your faith walk today:
- What do you want most?
- How do you use your money?
- What company do you keep?
- What do you laugh at?
- What do you think about most on an average day?
- What do you do with your free time?
- Who and what do you admire right now?
- In light of your answers, how are you and Jesus? Take time with Him to reflect and pray.