Sent, Part 2: The Open Door

GRANT FISHBOOK, LEAD TEACHING PASTOR

John 10:9-11 English Standard Version
“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 steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Matthew 23:13-15 New Living Translation
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.
     “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn that person into twice the child of hell you yourselves are!”

Jesus is to God!

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

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. Acts 4:12 ESV

And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:11–12

John 10:9b-11 English Standard Version
“If anyone enters by 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. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Small Group Questions

1. What is your opinion about door etiquette? What are your rules for holding doors open for other people?
2. Jesus makes a claim of exclusivity. Why do you think people struggle with the claim?
3. What are some practical ways you can “open a door” to someone on their journey of faith?
4. Think about the door metaphor. What lessons can you think of that emerge from this word picture Jesus used?
5. Review Psalm 23. Is there a certain phrase that speaks to you? In what way?
6. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?