God Promises Abundant Life

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. (New American Standard Bible).
Our verse this week is from the Gospel of John. John of course was an apostle to Jesus and walked, dined, worked and rested with the Savior. This passage is taken from Jesus’ own words in His telling of the Parable of the Good Shepherd.
In this parable, Jesus is responding to His detractors, the Pharisees, as they chastise Him for healing someone who was known to be a sinner and did not follow God’s Law.
The man had been born blind, and Jesus gave him sight. Jesus healed the man simply for professing His belief in Him.
Blind as he was, he still had Faith, for he was able to identify Jesus as the Son of Man. The Pharisees, who were not blind, could not see this to be a fact. As such, Jesus told them their unwillingness to believe, despite being able to see the truth was their sin. So, the point is one can believe without seeing, while another may see and still not believe!
Ultimately the story of the Good Shepherd is an affirmation of Jesus deity. That is, that Jesus is a man, yet fully God at the same time. The parable says that others who claimed to be messiah could not lead anyone to the Father. They were thieves in that regard because their way would lead to death and not life. Yet, believers could recognize His voice and follow Him as the path to Salvation. Jesus was promising life. He promised not only life, but abundant life. The Good Shepherd, He explained, would lay down His life for the sheep. That is, Jesus would die to save mankind from God’s wrath.
In verse 10 Jesus promises abundant life, saying, “I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.”
Let’s look at Jesus’ promise of abundant life, abundant in provision, abundant in joy, abundant in security and abundant in salvation.


Areas of “Abundant Life”
Provision
Joy
Security
Salvation

My pick for the week to set our hearts in contemplation of Abundant Life.
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Looking at the areas of Abundant Life, which of these resonate? What Scripture comes to mind? What areas of your life are clearly enriched by this promise?

Areas of “Abundant Life”
Provision
Matt: 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.”
In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus encouraged His listeners not to worry about their earthly needs. He told them not to worry about what they would wear, what they would eat or drink. God knows, He told them, we need these things and He will provide them. Imagine the birds, He preached, they don’t have farms or barns. They don’t plant, harvest or store grain. Yet they eat. If God provides for them, why would He not also provide for us. Jesus’ promise of abundant life means a life of His provision for us.
Joy
Psalm 16:11 “You will make known to me the way of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
This Psalm of David sings of his acknowledgment of God’s shelter, direction, and protection. In those David finds joy. Knowing God is faithful to His promises gives David joy. He knows he can count on God’s blessing for all of his days. David is uplifted with the fullness of joy and by his pleasures in God forever.
Security
Psalm 31:19 “How great is Your goodness,
Which You have stored up for those who fear You,
Which You have performed for those who take refuge in You,
Before the sons of mankind!”
In this Psalm David is contemplating God’s promise of refuge. Refuge is shelter or protection from danger or distress. Refuge is a strong hold which protects by its strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness; any place inaccessible to an enemy. God’s love shelters us. His promise of refuge has eternal implications insofar as He promises access to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Salvation
John 1:12 “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
Back to the Gospel of John for our final point. John the Apostle introduces readers to John the Baptist saying he is witness, testifying about the coming of Jesus, known as the Light that would enlighten everyone. “As many as received Him,” or everyone who receives Jesus, receive the right to become children of God. All who believe gain this right. This alludes to what we read later in John’s Gospel as Jesus enlightened Nicodemus of His reason for coming and the conditions God required of man to claim the promise of Salvation.
Conclusion
Jesus, being the Good Shepherd, is known to His sheep by his voice. He leads them by name through the door. He lays down His life for them, not leaving them stranded but saving them to rest in His pasture. He promises we will have life and have it abundantly, just for following Him.
Next Week’s Reading
God Has a Plan
Jer. 29:11