The phrase, “I am the door of the sheep,” includes one of the I am names of Jesus (Yeshua‘) that occurs in John’s gospel. In some Bible versions, this name is “gate” (NIV, The Message Bible).
Jesus said that He is the door (or gate) in the context of His teaching about being the Good Shepherd. In a hillside pen, the shepherd lay in the entrance and was himself like the door of the fold. He blocked it so that nothing could attack the sheep without passing him, and the sheep could not stray. Jesus placed Himself between spiritual danger and us. That is something that only the very best shepherd would do.
This descriptive name of Jesus may also be associated with the Jewish concept of heaven having doors or gates. The Jews thought that when heaven’s gates opened they released visions, and revelations of God and heaven. So Jacob saw a ladder from heaven, and John received his revelation through open doors (Gen. 28:17; Rev. 4:1). Help came from God through open doors (Ps. 78:23-24).
Jesus is not only our protector; He is also the door to abundant life.
Jesus said, “I am the door of the sheep.” The Greek text of John 15:1
I am the door in Greek:
Egō eimi hē thyra
Strong’s Concordance number: 2374
Bible references: John 10:7, 9
Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. . . . I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:7, 9, 10)
