I AM: Discovering the Nature of Jesus!
Monday, March 8, 2004
My Prayer Today
Father in Heaven, I come to you today through the only door -- through your Son Jesus Christ. There is no other way that I can approach you except through your Son. I thank you that I am able to call upon you at any time of the day or night. I have instant access with you because of Jesus. I praise you that you hear me and answer me. I ask that you would help me to boldly yet humbly approach you many times today in prayer. Help me to hear your voice. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God's Word Today
John 10:1-10
"I assure you, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! For a shepherd enters through the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice. They won't follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don't recognize his voice." Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn't understand what he meant, so he explained it to them. 'I assure you, I AM the gate for the sheep,' he said. 'All others who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."
Reflecting on God's Word
In the passage when Jesus says "I AM," what does he associate himself with?
Why does Jesus associate himself with a Door / Gate?
Before one is a Christian, does he/she have access to the Father apart from Jesus? Why or why not?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
Because Jesus is our door, in whose name do we approach God?
Why is Jesus' name the key to opening the door to God?
Understanding God's Purpose
When you think of a door, what characteristics and things come to mind?
How does Jesus' death and resurrection give us access to God in Heaven?
How many "doors" are there to God?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
Are you afraid to approach God in prayer? Should Jesus' death on the cross make any difference in how we approach God? How?
Because Jesus says "I AM the Door" -- list several things that this truth means?
Thoughts
When Jesus said "I AM the door" -- he was saying that I am the only access to God. There is no other way to be saved but through me. In America we are so concerned with being "politically correct" and "tolerant" that many have watered down the gospel message to mean in you are sincere enough, it doesn't matter what religion you follow -- you will find God. But "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." These people are sincerely wrong! According to Jesus, His is the ONLY way! There is no other way to be saved from our sins apart from the cross of Jesus. It upset many of the religious leaders of Jesus' day, and it upsets many people today.
Because Jesus is the only door to God, anytime we pray in His name we have instant access to God. We do not have to wait as if we were put on "call waiting" for an appointment. There are no lines with God. We can go into His throne room at any time and ask for anything according to the will of Jesus and it will be done. Why? Because we have instant access through Jesus Christ and his sacrifice upon the cross. We can boldly yet humbly come to the Father because we have found the true Door.
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