John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” This verse comes in the context of Jesus describing himself as the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. The abundance of life Jesus offers is in contrast to the destruction brought by “the thief,” referring to Satan who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.
So what does it mean when Jesus says he came that we “may have life and have it abundantly”? Let’s explore a few key aspects of the abundant life God has for us.
Eternal Life
Most fundamentally, the life Jesus gives refers to eternal life. Jesus makes this clear many times in John’s gospel. For example, John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” And John 17:3 defines eternal life as knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ. Through faith in Christ, we receive the gift of eternal life.
The abundant life begins now, as we come to know God. But it will be fulfilled completely in eternity when we experience fullness of joy in God’s presence, free from sin and suffering. So the life Jesus promises has eternal scope and duration.
Life to the Full
But Jesus does not just promise life in the future. He promises a full and meaningful life here and now. Jesus said he came so we can have life “to the full” (John 10:10 NIV). In John 15, Jesus talks about bearing fruit and experiencing great joy as we abide in him.
The abundant life includes peace, joy, hope, meaning, contentment, and love. As we walk with Christ, seek to know and obey him, and allow the Holy Spirit to produce his fruit in us, we experience satisfaction and fulfillment. Our lives overflow with godly blessings we can share with others.
Freedom from Sin
The thief seeks to steal and destroy lives through lies, addiction, deception, and crippling sin. But Jesus sets us free from sin’s dominion and destruction. Romans 6:22 says, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.”
Though the abundant life is not a call to perfection on earth, as we follow Christ we are no longer enslaved to sinful desires nor ruled by them. The power of sin is broken. And when we do sin, we turn to Christ and receive forgiveness and cleansing to continue walking in newness of life.
Purpose and Meaning
A life lived for self alone is an empty, unsatisfying life. Jesus calls us to find purpose and meaning by loving God and serving others. The abundant life is not self-serving but overflowing to bless others. Jesus said he came to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). We find life by laying it down in God’s service.
The abundant life means walking in God’s will, fulfilling the purpose he created us for. As we discover how God wired and gifted us, and steward those gifts for his glory, we find deep contentment. Our lives have eternal significance when aligned under Jesus’ lordship.
The Fullness of the Spirit
A life of abundance is a Spirit-filled life. The Holy Spirit was given to dwell in all believers to provide guidance, conviction, wisdom, power, and help in prayer. As we yield more of ourselves to the Spirit’s work in us, our lives bear more spiritual fruit such as love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23).
The abundant life flows from the Spirit. Therefore, we must grow in living by the Spirit – surrendering control of our lives, depending on the Spirit’s power, obeying the Spirit’s voice, and being filled with the Spirit continuously.
Intimacy with God
At the heart of Jesus’ promise of abundant life is a rich, intimate relationship with God. John 17:3 says eternal life is knowing God and Christ intimately. The more we draw near to God, seek his face, and deepen our understanding of who he is – the more our spiritual lives will overflow. Communing with God nourishes our soul.
Pursuing intimate friendship with God involves worship, prayer, studying and meditating on his Word, fellowship with his people, and quiet times away with him. These develop our relationship with God and renew us inwardly. Intimacy with God is the source of abundant life.
Security in God
With Christ as our good shepherd, we live abundantly by resting in his love and security. We have nothing to fear because our Shepherd is watching over us, guiding us by still waters and protecting us. Even when we walk through the darkest valley, we do not fear evil (Psalm 23:1-4).
In a world filled with instability and fear, we can live fully relying on God’s faithful presence. We are safe in his hands. There is a security and confidence that flows from trusting our lives to the faithful Shepherd, which allows us to live freely and without anxiety.
Hope in Our Future
Because of Christ’s finished work, we have a secure hope in our future. We have assurance of eternal life with God free from sorrow and pain. Every brokenness will be healed. God will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4). What a life of hope and confidence this brings even amid earth’s troubles.
This living hope allows us to walk through suffering and trials with courage, knowing our present difficulties are producing an eternal glory beyond all comparison (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Our promised inheritance revitalizes us to live abundantly now.
Care for Our Needs
Jesus taught us not to worry about what we will eat or drink or wear because our heavenly Father knows our needs and will provide (Matthew 6:25-34). God promises to supply all our needs according to his glorious riches in Christ (Philippians 4:19). We can live fully trusting him.
God cares about every detail of our lives. When we seek his kingdom first, we live under his care and provision. He wants us to flourish and enjoy his gifts without anxiety over necessities. We can receive each day’s provision with thanksgiving and freedom from worry.
Overcoming Trouble
The abundant life is not a trouble-free life. But in Christ, we have power to overcome trouble. John 16:33 says: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Because Jesus overcame the world and its tribulations, we share in his victory. We do not need to be overcome by afflictions or crushed by trials. Through faith, we have strength to endure hardships, walk through trials, and press on toward Christ. By clinging to him, we live abundantly even in difficult times.
Contentment and Gratitude
As we set our minds on Christ and things above, we begin to find contentment in him alone. Our security and satisfaction is no longer dependent on our circumstances. The abundant life is one marked by deep contentment, gratitude, and freedom from discontentment or comparing ourselves to others.
Rather than seeking after more possessions, status, or comfort – a Spirit-filled life finds sufficiency and joy in Christ. It is not life lived grasping for more, but resting in who we are and what we have in him. Christ frees us from striving and fills our hearts with gratitude.
Generosity, Not Greed
Those who walk by the Spirit also exhibit generosity rather than greed. Jesus said the thief comes to steal and kill, but he came to give abundant life. As we experience God’s lavish grace toward us, we in turn are able to give freely and generously.
Rather than accumulating more for ourselves, we find joy in giving to others – whether through serving, giving financially, or sharing what God has given us. We steward our gifts to build others up and further God’s kingdom purposes. Our lives pour out to bless others.
In summary, the abundant life Jesus promises is a life centered on a relationship with him resulting in provision, security, purpose, freedom from sin and worry, intimacy with God, contentment, and generosity. As we walk closely with Christ, we experience satisfaction of soul and overflow of his spiritual blessings.