How does Psalm 118:20 connect with Jesus as the "way" in John 14:6? Psalm 118:20 – The Gate of the LORD “The gate of the LORD—righteous people will enter through it.” • A single, exclusive entryway is in view; only “righteous people” can pass. • The focus is on access to God’s presence inside His courts (Psalm 118:19). • The “gate” is owned and guarded by the LORD Himself—He alone sets the terms of entry. John 14:6 – Jesus Reveals Himself as the Way “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” • Jesus personalizes the image: He is not merely showing a path; He is the path. • “Way” (Greek hodos) points to an exclusive route, matching the exclusivity of the “gate.” • The destination is the Father’s presence, echoing the psalm’s theme of entering God’s space. Gate and Way – The Same Door in Two Testaments • Both passages describe one appointed means of access. • Psalm 118 looks forward; John 14 identifies the fulfillment. • The righteous requirement of Psalm 118 is satisfied in Jesus, who “became to us…righteousness” (1 Corinthians 1:30). Jesus as Gate, Way, and Door Scripture layers the imagery: 1. Psalm 118:20 – “gate of the LORD” 2. John 10:9 – “I am the gate; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved.” 3. John 14:6 – “I am the way.” 4. Hebrews 10:19-20 – “a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body.” • Each verse tightens the connection: the ancient gate is ultimately Christ’s own flesh given for us. • The exclusivity is not harsh but gracious—God Himself provides the one door we could never build. Prophetic Echoes in Psalm 118 • Verse 22: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Jesus applies this to Himself (Matthew 21:42). • Verses 26-27 speak of a coming One blessed “in the name of the LORD,” welcomed with branches—fulfilled at the triumphal entry (Matthew 21:9). • Thus verse 20’s gate anticipates the Messiah’s person and work. Why This Matters for Us Today • Confidence: We enter by faith, not by earning righteousness (Romans 5:1-2). • Clarity: There is one God-given entrance; pluralism fails to reach the Father (Acts 4:12). • Calling: Having entered, we invite others to the same gate (2 Corinthians 5:20). Walking the Way Daily • Abide in Christ (John 15:4). • Hold firmly to His Word (Psalm 119:105; John 8:31). • Live out His righteousness (Ephesians 2:10), demonstrating that we truly have passed through the Gate and walk the Way. |
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