The theme for today is of Jesus as the door of the sheep. This is set within a wider context which ultimately hints at a much deeper message that Jesus was trying to communicate.

It is in the Gospel of John that we find the seven famous ‘I AM’ statements, where Jesus refers to himself variously as the bread of life, the light of the world, the door of the sheep, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth and the life and the true vine.

Jesus identifies himself in these ways while speaking with his disciples, with other friends, such as the grieving Martha when her brother Lazarus had died, and even with the Pharisees. Each statement gives ample food for thought on its own, but when taken together, a fuller and exciting picture emerges.

Starting with today’s Gospel reading, Jesus contrasts himself with ‘thieves and robbers’ who do not really care for the sheep but who only wish to ‘steal, kill and destroy’. He is referring to false teachers who will come after him, distorting his words and confusing his followers. Calling himself ‘the door of the sheep’, he paints a picture of a safe but narrow entrance into secure and abundant pastureland. Sheep who enter through him, the safe door, will find sanctuary. His followers, including us, are, of course, the sheep. When we come to Jesus and follow his Way, we have an inner spiritual security that nothing can shake. We are shown the Truth about life – life which Jesus has come to give us in all its abundance. 

In his letter, Peter returns to the theme of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep and who absorbed the suffering of the world and transmuted it, so that they and the whole world might be saved.

In the reading from Acts, Luke presents a picture of what that life can look like, with believers caring for one another, making sure that everyone has enough and that no one goes without. People’s practical as well as their spiritual needs are met, as they also share in prayer and worship, teaching and fellowship. It is an image of ‘abundant’ life for those who follow Christ.

Taken together, the vivid ‘I AM’ statements build a picture of who Jesus is and of who we can become when we trust in Him. Jesus is telling us that faith is not a matter of just following rules, in order to live a righteous life, good as that may be. Rather, it is allowing ourselves to be transformed, and of knowing that we exist withinthe greater life of God. The message is that we can actually partake, both individually and corporately, in this divine and holy Life, and this will include caring for one another and praying and praising God together. It is more a matter of becoming aware of who we are in Christ, of waking up to what life really is. If we can see our lives like that, then each day becomes the opportunity for a new experience of God, of drawing closer to the great, eternal IAM, who leads us continually to safe pasture.

Revd Christina Rees