Jesus promised abundant life to those who follow him. Read John 10:7-10. One of my favorite verses is John 10:10 and the promise of abundant life. Jesus starts this passage by saying he is the "gate for the sheep". We are familiar with Jesus being the Good Shepherd, but what about this gate? I’m not an expert on shepherds and sheep, but when I researched the patterns of shepherds and sheep in the Middle East, I learned that when the shepherd brought the sheep in for the night, he would lead them into a cave to protect them from wild animals. Once they were in the cave, the shepherd would lie down at the entrance becoming a literal gate. If a sheep wanted to exit the cave, it would have to step on or over the shepherd to get out. Likewise, if a thief tried to steal a sheep, he would have to go through the shepherd. This is the context for Jesus saying, “A thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy. I have come to give abundant life.” Whatever you are facing today, you are facing under the protection of Jesus, the gate who defends you against evil. 



Come Lord Jesus, give us courage to face the obstacles that may present themselves today. Watch over us and protect us as we trust in you. Amen.