The Door
'The Door' uses vivid imagery to illustrate a biblical truth: not every path leads to life. Through metaphor and gentle warning, this poem is inspired by John 10, and points to Jesus as the only entrance to salvation and to God - open, welcoming, and full of redeeming grace.
FAITH & REFLECTION
Sharifah Francis
2/16/20262 min read
Many try to find the way by climbing up the wall.
Alas, the only thing they find is a destructive fall.
Others try to break the wall - called it another way.
Sadly, all they achieve is to walk themselves astray.
Another group dug a hole and thought themselves so wise,
but when they reached their destination, it took them by surprise.
Lastly, a lady and gentleman attempted to try a window,
but to their dismay, their end was swift, and hollow.
You can try this way, and that; but there is only one.
Any other road leads straight to destruction.
Dear friends, the way to God is Jesus who is called the Door,
who saves, redeems, and gives true life forevermore.
He's open - enter through the Door.
Reflections:
In our search for meaning, direction, and closeness to God, it's easy to believe that effort, wisdom, or good intentions will lead us where we want to go. We climb, dig, reshape, and search for alternate ways - hoping one of them will finally bring peace. Yet Scripture reminds us that not every path leads to life.
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end is the way to death." - Proverbs 14:12
Jesus speaks clearly and lovingly about this truth. He does not present himself as one option among many, but as the only open entrance to life with God.
"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out, and find pasture." - John 10:9
The invitation of the gospel is not to strive harder or find a hidden way in, but to stop, trust, and enter. Grace cannot be earned or forced - it is received.
"For by grace you are saved through faith; and not of yourself - it is the gift of God: not a result of works, so no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9
'The Door' invites us to reflect honestly:
What emotions arise when you read that Jesus is the way and not simply a way? Resistance? Comfort? Relief? Why do you think that is?
Have you ever sought answers apart from God - through knowledge, self-help, or spiritual shortcuts - only to feel surprised by emptiness at the end? What made those paths appealing at the time?
What does it mean to you personally that the Door is open? Is there an area of your life you've hesitated to bring fully to Christ?
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if anyone hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." - Revelation 3:20