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I AM THE GATE

June 7 | Discipleship Guide

Be Real Together:

Take a few minutes to catch up, tell stories, and laugh together.
If you’re launching a new Group, trust and friendship take time to build. Take turns each week having someone share a bit of their story.

Read Together: John 10:1–10 CSB

In this passage, Jesus contrasts the motives of a thief with the care of a shepherd before making a surprising declaration: "I am the gate." He is not simply offering guidance or another option among many—He is claiming to be the true entrance into salvation, security, and abundant life. While many voices promise fulfillment and many paths claim to lead to truth, Jesus boldly declares that He alone is the way into God's Kingdom. The invitation is not merely to admire Him, but to enter through Him and follow where He leads.

The One Question:
If you only have time for one question, ask this one.

Why do you think Jesus chose to identify Himself as the Gate instead of simply saying He was the shepherd? How does the image of a shepherd lying across the entrance of the sheepfold deepen your understanding of Jesus as the Gate?

Grow Together:
Use these questions to go deeper with your Group or for personal reflection.

  1. What stands out to you most in this passage?
  2. Jesus contrasts a thief and a shepherd throughout this passage. What differences do you notice between them?
  3. Pastor Josh pointed out that thieves enter secretly because they have ulterior motives, while the shepherd comes openly through the gate. What does this teach us about Jesus' character and intentions toward us?
  4. Jesus says that His sheep know His voice. What are some ways believers learn to recognize and trust the voice of Jesus?
  5. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came to give abundant life. How would you define the abundant life Jesus offers? How is it different from the world's definition of a good life?
  6. What does it practically look like to walk through the Gate and trust Jesus as the true way into God's Kingdom?

Pray Together:

  • Thank Jesus for making a way for us to know God and enter His Kingdom.
  • Praise Him for being a trustworthy Shepherd who leads, protects, and provides.
  • Confess any ways you've looked to other paths, sources of security, or substitutes instead of Jesus.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize and follow the voice of Jesus more clearly.
  • Pray for friends and family who may not yet know that Jesus is the Gate and the way to life.

Next Steps:

  • Read John 10 again: Spend time this week slowly reading John 10:1–10 and reflecting on what Jesus reveals about Himself.
  • Listen for His voice: Begin each day with a simple prayer: “Jesus, help me recognize Your voice and follow You today.”
  • Identify competing voices: Pay attention to the messages you hear throughout the week about success, identity, purpose, or happiness. Which ones align with Jesus, and which ones don't?
  • Examine your trust: Ask yourself, “Where am I looking for life, security, or fulfillment apart from Jesus?”
  • Walk through the Gate: Identify one area where Jesus is inviting you to trust Him more fully and take a practical step of obedience.
  • Share your story: Like the man born blind, be prepared to tell someone what Jesus has done in your life.
  • Rest in His care: Spend time thanking God that you don't have to find your own way—Jesus has already made a way for you.