Jesus: The Door to Abundant Life
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound truth that Jesus is the door to abundant life. As we sang praises and invited Jesus into our hearts, we were reminded of the significance of the word "Hosanna," which means "blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." This is an invitation for Jesus to speak to us, to bring life, change, and renewal. We acknowledged our own weaknesses and the times we've tried to take control instead of surrendering to God. Like a child trying to do things on their own, we often forget that God is ready and willing to be our strength and guide.
We explored the "I am" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John, specifically focusing on John 10, where Jesus declares, "I am the door of the sheep." This statement emphasizes that Jesus is the only way to access the safety and protection of God. The imagery of the sheepfold, where sheep are kept safe at night, illustrates the security and provision found in Jesus. He is the sole access point to a relationship with God, and through Him, we find abundant life.
Abundant life is not about worldly wealth or comfort but about a life contented and satisfied in Jesus. It is a life of peace and rest, not determined by external circumstances but by the internal reality of being in the sheepfold of Jesus. This abundant life is available to everyone, as Jesus is the door for all who choose to enter through Him.
We were challenged to reflect on whether we are experiencing this abundant life. If not, it may be because we don't truly know Jesus or because we are running from Him. The call is to return to Him, to listen to His voice, and to follow Him into the safety and abundance He offers.
Key Takeaways:
- Invitation to Jesus: When we sing "Hosanna," we invite Jesus to come and speak to our hearts. This is a reminder that He is already present and has the right to be God over us, bringing life and change. We must approach Him with expectant hearts, ready to receive His strength and guidance. [00:00]
- Jesus as the Door: Jesus' declaration of being the door signifies that He is the only way to access God. This exclusive claim challenges us to recognize that there is no other path to safety and protection in God. It is a call to enter through Him and experience the abundant life He offers. [43:56]
- Abundant Life Defined: Abundant life in Jesus is not about material wealth or comfort but about a life contented and satisfied in Him. It is a life of peace and rest, rooted in the internal reality of being in His sheepfold, where we are safe and secure. [01:10:33]
- The Call to Return: If we are not experiencing abundant life, it may be because we don't know Jesus or are running from Him. The invitation is to return, to listen to His voice, and to follow Him into the safety and abundance He provides. [01:16:34]
- The Choice Before Us: We must reckon with the truth that Jesus is the only way to God. We have two choices: accept Him and the salvation He offers or reject Him and cling to the false promises of the world. This decision determines whether we experience the abundant life He promises. [01:18:36]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Invitation to Worship
- [02:00] - Prayer of Surrender
- [05:00] - Reflection on Jesus' Sacrifice
- [08:00] - Understanding "Hosanna"
- [10:00] - Introduction to the "I Am" Statements
- [12:00] - The Journey to Easter
- [15:00] - Context of John 10
- [20:00] - Jesus as the Door
- [25:00] - The Sheepfold Explained
- [30:00] - The Exclusive Claim of Jesus
- [35:00] - Abundant Life in Jesus
- [40:00] - The Call to Return
- [45:00] - The Choice Before Us
- [50:00] - Closing Prayer and Response
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 10:1-10
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 10:7, Jesus declares, "I am the door of the sheep." What does this metaphor suggest about His role in the lives of believers? [43:56]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the sheep knowing the voice of their shepherd? How does this relate to our relationship with Jesus? [52:27]
3. The sermon mentions that Jesus is the only way to access the safety and protection of God. How is this exclusivity portrayed in John 10:9? [57:24]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of abundant life as described in John 10:10? How does this differ from worldly definitions of abundance? [01:10:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the imagery of the sheepfold in John 10 help us understand the concept of spiritual safety and security in Jesus? [43:56]
2. The sermon discusses the idea of Jesus being the only door to God. How might this challenge contemporary views on religious pluralism? [57:24]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that abundant life in Jesus is different from material wealth or comfort? How can this understanding impact a believer's daily life? [01:10:33]
4. The sermon calls for a return to Jesus if we are not experiencing abundant life. What might be some reasons a believer might stray from this path, according to the sermon? [01:16:34]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the metaphor of Jesus as the door. How does this shape your understanding of your personal relationship with God? Are there areas in your life where you need to more fully embrace Jesus as the sole access point to God? [43:56]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus' voice. What practical steps can you take to better recognize and respond to His guidance in your daily life? [52:27]
3. Consider the sermon’s definition of abundant life. How can you cultivate a sense of contentment and satisfaction in Jesus, regardless of your external circumstances? [01:10:33]
4. If you find yourself not experiencing the abundant life Jesus offers, what might be hindering you? Is it a lack of knowledge of Jesus, or are you running from Him? How can you address these issues? [01:16:34]
5. The sermon presents a choice between accepting Jesus and the salvation He offers or rejecting Him. How do you personally grapple with this decision, and what steps can you take to ensure you are choosing to follow Jesus wholeheartedly? [01:18:36]
6. Reflect on the idea of returning to Jesus if you have strayed. What specific actions can you take this week to realign your life with His teachings and experience the safety and abundance He provides? [01:16:34]
7. How can you actively invite others to experience the abundant life in Jesus, especially those who may be seeking fulfillment in worldly pursuits? What role can you play in guiding them to the "door"? [01:18:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Invitation to Jesus: A Call to Expectancy
In the act of singing "Hosanna," believers are reminded of the profound invitation extended to Jesus to enter their hearts and lives. This invitation is not merely a ritualistic chant but a heartfelt plea for Jesus to bring transformation, life, and renewal. It is a recognition of His rightful place as Lord and a call to approach Him with expectant hearts, ready to receive His strength and guidance. The act of inviting Jesus is a reminder that He is already present, waiting to be acknowledged and welcomed into the depths of our being. This invitation challenges believers to surrender their control and allow Jesus to be the source of their strength and direction. [00:00]
Psalm 24:7-10 (ESV): "Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory!"
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need to open up to Jesus today, inviting Him to bring His life and change?
Day 2: Jesus as the Door: The Sole Path to God
Jesus' declaration of being the door in John 10 is a profound statement of exclusivity. It emphasizes that He is the only way to access the safety, protection, and relationship with God. This imagery of the sheepfold, where sheep are kept safe, illustrates the security and provision found in Jesus. He is the sole access point to a relationship with God, and through Him, believers find abundant life. This claim challenges individuals to recognize that there is no other path to safety and protection in God, urging them to enter through Him and experience the abundant life He offers. [43:56]
Acts 4:12 (ESV): "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Reflection: In what ways have you sought safety and protection outside of Jesus, and how can you realign your trust to enter through Him alone?
Day 3: Abundant Life Defined: Contentment in Christ
Abundant life in Jesus is not defined by material wealth or comfort but by a life contented and satisfied in Him. It is a life of peace and rest, not determined by external circumstances but by the internal reality of being in the sheepfold of Jesus. This abundant life is available to everyone, as Jesus is the door for all who choose to enter through Him. It is a call to find satisfaction and contentment in the presence of Jesus, where true peace and rest are found, regardless of life's challenges. [01:10:33]
Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV): "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Reflection: What external circumstances are currently affecting your peace, and how can you shift your focus to find contentment in Jesus alone?
Day 4: The Call to Return: Listening and Following Jesus
If believers are not experiencing abundant life, it may be because they do not truly know Jesus or are running from Him. The call is to return to Him, to listen to His voice, and to follow Him into the safety and abundance He offers. This invitation is a reminder that Jesus is always ready to welcome back those who have strayed, offering them the security and provision found in His presence. It is a call to stop running and start listening, to follow the path that leads to true life and fulfillment in Him. [01:16:34]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have been running from Jesus? How can you begin to listen to His voice and follow His lead today?
Day 5: The Choice Before Us: Accepting or Rejecting Jesus
The truth that Jesus is the only way to God presents a choice: to accept Him and the salvation He offers or to reject Him and cling to the false promises of the world. This decision determines whether individuals experience the abundant life He promises. It is a call to reckon with the reality of Jesus' exclusive claim and to make a conscious decision to embrace the life He offers. The choice is clear, and the consequences are eternal, urging believers to choose wisely and embrace the abundant life found in Him. [01:18:36]
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV): "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."
Reflection: What false promises of the world have you been holding onto, and how can you choose to accept the abundant life Jesus offers instead?
Quotes
"But I want to remind us what it means. When we see in the scripture where they start singing Hosanna, it's the moment when Jesus is re-entering Jerusalem. And it means, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. And so when we sing that song, when we say that word, what we're saying is, we invite you, Jesus, to come. And so when we come here today, when we come to sing, we want to make sure that we are remembering that we are inviting Jesus to come and speak. We are inviting him to come speak in our hearts." [00:07:38] (28 seconds)
"Father, there are so many ways this week that I know that I have just experienced my own weakness again and again. Father, there are so many ways and so many times where we've tried to maybe save ourselves or try to take your place, make our own decisions and do our own things rather than surrendering them to you. And so, Father, we just ask that you would forgive us this morning. Lord, forgive us of trying to do it ourselves and forgive us of trying to do it all in our own strength and our own power and then failing and being upset about it." [00:10:12] (29 seconds)
"And it's because of that work, it's because of what Jesus did on the cross that we can stand and sing that my sins are forgiven. And not only that, but that my future is heaven. I don't have to live separated from him anymore. Because I can praise him and I get to praise him forever because of what he's done. Like, I don't want us to miss it just because we're singing the words and maybe it sounds good, I don't know. But we don't want to miss the fact of the truth that we worship the Lord Jesus Christ because of what he's done on the cross for us." [00:16:01] (33 seconds)
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him, the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them and the sheep follow him for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him for they do not know the voice of strangers." [00:41:45] (31 seconds)
"All who come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to still kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Praise the Lord for his word. Amen. Amen. This is an incredible passage of scripture where Jesus is showing us more and more who he is." [00:43:41] (29 seconds)
"It means what it says, that Jesus is the only way that anyone can access the safety and protection available to us in God. See, that was the point of the sheep fold. The shepherds would bring the sheep in at night, so the sheep would be safe. They would be protected. They wouldn't have to fear wolves and bears and lions and tigers, oh my. Like, they wouldn't have to fear getting lost or, like, stumbling off a cliff. Because I don't know if you've ever been around sheep. In fact, I know none of you have because none of you raised your hand. They're not smart, okay?" [00:54:35] (31 seconds)
"Jesus tells us, though, that those who enter by the door, that those that come through him, they will be saved. What that means, Jesus is the only way to God, period. He's the door. But he doesn't have a bouncer at the door saying, you get to come in and you don't. There's not somebody at the door stating, I like you so you can come in. I don't like you so you can't. That's not what he's saying. Jesus is the door." [01:03:22] (31 seconds)
"An abundant life is not those things. It's also not just a life that is to come. See, this is what I was taught as a kid when I was growing up in a church, when I was growing up in Lincoln Church. It was that Jesus came to save me for heaven. Like, that's when I get to reap the abundant life, is heaven. So I got to live my life and suffer and be, you know, always downcast and everything's terrible and legalistic and I have to follow all these rules, but then I get to go to heaven and yeah, party time. That is not it either." [01:13:07] (30 seconds)
"Abundant life is a life that is enjoyed and at peace, not because of any external circumstances, but because of an internal reality that cannot be shaken, which is that I am in the sheepfold of Jesus Christ. And there ain't nothing and no one who can take me out of there. See, you can do and have abundant life in Jesus because every day we can go in and out and find pasture. We can be kept safe and secure and held by the one who literally gave everything he had away so that we could know him, know his life and experience it in abundance." [01:14:43] (45 seconds)
"Because if you're not experiencing abundant life in Jesus, there's one of two reasons. One, it's because you don't know him. If you're not experiencing abundant life in Jesus, one reason may be because you don't know him. You haven't come to God through Jesus. Jesus. You haven't entered the narrow gate. You haven't entered the door. You haven't surrendered to him. Or... it's two. And it means you're running from him. You're the wandering sheep that maybe hasn't forgotten the sound of your shepherd's voice, but you're definitely not listening." [01:15:18] (42 seconds)
"See, that's what repentance is. It's a returning to Jesus, a turning away from the direction you were headed off a cliff and turning around and following his voice. So if you're wandering today, can I invite you to listen to his voice as he calls you home? Let's pray. Father, you are, you are a good and mighty God. Lord Jesus, how, how arrogant of us to think that we could, could look at you and that we could say that you were proud and arrogant to provide us only one way. How dare you only give us one way?" [01:23:29] (38 seconds)
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