Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:7-10

A shepherd provides for his flock of sheep. After Jesus presented Himself as the Shepherd of the Jews, He went on to teach them about His provisions for them by using the analogy of the “door”. In other words, only through Him can a man find salvation, and have his spiritual needs met. This promise is affirmed by Jesus’ statement: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). There are two things for us to learn here: Jesus is the Door to eternal life, and He gives His flock spiritual nourishment.

Jesus is the Door to salvation. As the Door of the sheep, He acts as an entrance to the protection for the sheep. Sheep are vulnerable animals; they are always in danger of being hurt or killed. Therefore, they must always go to the shepherd. Being with the shepherd assures them of safety. Jesus was teaching the Jews that He alone can save them from the lake of fire. Unless they enter through Him, they will be in danger of destruction. Only through Christ is there eternal life.

The sheep that enters through Jesus finds pasture. The word “pasture” simply means food. It is the responsibility of the shepherd to find good locations where there is plenty of grass for his sheep to feed on. As the sheep needs to feed on green grass to grow healthily, a believer needs to feed upon God’s Word to grow spiritually. Jesus was teaching the Jews that He will provide spiritual food for anyone who comes to Him. The Bible is the spiritual food for Christians; it nourishes the faith of their souls. Therefore, just as you have your daily meals, remember to read your Bible daily.

Jesus also taught the Jews that the purpose of His coming was to provide those who follow Him with an abundant life. Christians have joy in their hearts because they know that Jesus their Lord provides for their every need. They have peace in their hearts too because God has forgiven their sins for Jesus’ sake. There are many other blessings which God gives to Christians that they may live life to the fullest.

Children, after learning the above-mentioned truths about Jesus’ provisions, there is one thing you ought to do. If you are a Christian, give thanks to God for your abundant life in Christ. But if you are still outside the Door, you must go in to receive salvation for your soul, and the Lord Jesus will provide you with spiritual food.

Wait no longer if you hear the Shepherd’s voice calling, “Come”. Go to the Saviour quickly; make no delay, and you will be blessed with His provisions of salvation, spiritual nourishment and an abundant life!