Jesus came to give us life in ABUNDANCE

Keyword ABUNDANCE (noun): a considerable amount; a supply more than sufficient to meet one’s needs

A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. John 10:10 CSB

Jesus was talking to some confused people here. People not too different from us–trying to do the right things, listening to those in authority, and occasionally wondering if something might be missing.

They had spent their whole lives learning and following the rules and traditions of their religious leaders. Wasn’t that what they were supposed to do? But everything they thought they knew was being challenged now. The Pharisees were accusing Jesus and hyper-focusing on the laws, and he was talking about sheep and gates–calling himself their “good shepherd.” They didn’t know who or what to believe.

And sometimes we don’t either. Even though we know that Jesus died and rose again to free us from sin, we get caught up in this old way of thinking. It is so easy to get misled by the voices of others defining “good” Christian behavior. Too often, I find myself checking old boxes of do’s and don’t’s. Am I doing everything perfectly? Am I acceptable to my church? Why does this feel so empty sometimes?

Maybe we need to pay attention to what Jesus said here: A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.

Was he calling the religious leaders thieves? Some of them, yes, he was.

Because some of these Pharisees were not interested in helping God’s people. They were focused on the laws–all 613 of them–and punishing those who broke them. Behavior was more important to them than the hearts of the people in their care. They were stealing their joy, killing their hope, and destroying their faith.

And Jesus, with his shepherd-heart, was determined to help his people understand.

I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

Jesus didn’t want them to feel like something was missing anymore. He was with them now–bringing abundant life. Not abundant rules. Not abundant punishment, oppression, or fear. He had everything his sheep could possibly need–and more.

And he promises that this life of abundance is for us, too. Even when it’s confusing. Even when people disappoint us or we disappoint them. Even when we feel like we don’t deserve it. Even if we have broken 613 laws.

Abundance–a considerable amount. A supply more than sufficient to meet our needs.

He gives us more than enough freedom.

He gives us more than enough grace.

He gives us more than enough of his presence and power to help us live the life he designed for us–fulfilled and redeemed in his unconditional love.

Even if we feel we have reached the limits of God’s patience or forgiveness, he is never going to run out.

Our good shepherd promises to always have more than we need.

Dear Jesus, you are my good shepherd, and I want to follow you alone. Please help me to break free from the expectations of others and those I put on myself. Thank you that you came to give me this life of abundance and freedom in you. Amen.