When Jesus said, “I am the gate,” He declared that He was the only way someone could enter the Kingdom of God. Such restriction is an exclusionary statement that is offensive to people who believe there are many ways to God. Yet, Jesus does not discriminate against anyone when He invites whoever will come.
Anyone with an ounce of understanding would know how foolish it is to be offended by the thought of exclusiveness. Jesus’ love and great compassion for every human being who has ever lived was on display at Calvary. He allowed everyone to experience the boundless riches of God’s mercy and grace. He who knew no sin would pay the penalty for every transgression ever committed by the human race.
The chief liar of all time was doing his work of stealing, murdering, and destroying. The epitome of darkness spreads deceit and betrayal in an attempt to offer another way that only leads to destruction. But Jesus endured the hostility, scorning its shame, and left us with an example of courage in the face of adversity.
Jesus’s abundant life is available to anyone who will embrace the simple truth that Jesus is the Son of God who lives to redeem and set people free.