I was on my way to go see some friends from church. I followed my GPS directions and soon was on Latta Road. I stopped at a red light and then drove across into the neighborhood where they lived. That is when I saw the gate. It blocked my access. I could not get in, blocked by a closed gate.
At the stadium, the gate is closed unless I have the right ticket. And then there was the other day when I started out on the road I usually take into town. I drove two miles and the road was blocked. Workers were busy at work and I could not get through.
These are not strange images, are they? We all have experienced being blocked by a closed gate. But Jesus calls Himself a gate (John 10:7). He is a different kind of gate because the sheep can go in and go out; the gate is open (John 10:9). Anyone can enter the sheepfold if they choose. Anyone can leave the sheepfold if they choose.
Just before our focal text for today (John 10:7-13), there is an interesting verse. Jesus has been teaching some Pharisees and John 10:6 says “they did not understand what he was saying to them.” That happens to us, too, doesn’t it? Jesus invites us to love people who are not lovable. Jesus asks us to set aside any notion that a person’s value is measured in dollars and cents. Jesus instructs us to forgive someone who has harmed us. I have to admit that sometimes John 10:6 describes me: “They did not understand what he was saying.” Jesus is an open gate when most gates open and close.
There is an old gospel song “Swing Wide the Gates.” One of the refrains notes that I am headed for heaven: “Swing wide the gates for I am coming home.” Jesus is the gatekeeper and the gate is open.
Remember those friends I couldn’t visit because it was a gated neighborhood and I couldn’t get in? One day I passed that gated neighborhood of my church friends. The gate was open. I did not enter. They told me later that they missed seeing me. Jesus has opened the gate to salvation and service, to community and mission. The gate is open. Will I go in?
