I Am the Door
What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor? If we recall grade school grammar lessons, a simile compares two things using the words “like” or “as.” A metaphor makes similar comparisons without using “like” or “as.” In John’s Gospel, Jesus makes seven “I am” statements. First, “I am the bread of heaven;” (John 6:22-68) second, “I am the light of the world;” (John 8:12-29) and now, “I am the door.” (John 10:1-18)
In Jesus’ sevenfold “I am” statements, is He using similes or metaphors?
Church theologians throughout the ages have said, “Neither!” Rather, they state that Jesus is speaking spiritually. Earthly categories like bread, light and doors are but shadows that only meagerly and partially disclose heavenly truths that can be more fully known by the power of God’s Word and the illumination of His Holy Spirit. In other words, when we look at earthly doors, we are called to meditate on how Jesus is like them, but better in every way.
First, earthly doors are barriers that prevent us from going where we want to go. They require some amount of energy and effort to open and enter into a desired location. However, when Jesus says that He is the door, He means that He alone — not our efforts — opens our pathways to salvation. Second, we never stop opening doors in our earthly lives! There is always a different desired location we want to be in. However, Christ is the ultimate door. Once this door of salvation is opened for us, all other doors that are opened for us, although good, pale in comparison, in the same way that beautiful stars pale in brightness in the light of the Sun’s bright light.
Have you ever prayed that God would open and close doors for you so that you can know and follow His will for your life? It might have been prayers for a new job, a move to a new city, a new relationship, or a new venture. I have.
There is nothing wrong with this kind of prayer. It comes from a sincere heart to follow and trust God wherever He leads us. However, whatever doors God opens or closes for us that lead to earthly blessings, may we be ever mindful above all of the inestimable blessing of salvation that God has opened for us through the greatest door, His Son, Jesus Christ.
