The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life and may have it abundantly. John 10:10 WEB

With this statement, Christ highlights the righteousness of his purpose. He sets himself apart from the tradition bound religious leaders of the day who he likens to thieves who only come to steal, kill, and destroy. In stark contrast to the pseudo religious, Christ is the truth, the life, and the only way to the Father. He boldly states this truth, that he came to give believers life and life in abundance.

Using the analogy of himself as a shepherd, Christ reveals that his flock only responds to his voice. This parable confused the listeners. Jesus was revealing himself as the only way to eternal life. Saying in John 10:9, “I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture.  WEB”

The Good Shepherd

Using the imagery of the gate of a sheep corral, Jesus likens himself to that door through which the sheep pass. He is revealing himself as the Messiah prophesied about in Old Testament scripture. Referring to Isaiah 40:11, Christ says in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. WEB”

With these words he foretells his death on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for sin. Jesus boldly proclaims that he knows those who are his and that they recognize his voice. This is astonishing to a believer who responds to the words of Jesus as though hearing the truth for the first time in a lifetime. As followers of Christ, we respond to his words as a sheep responds to the voice of its shepherd.

Eternal Life in Christ

Jesus’ words about life and life abundantly refer to the spiritual gifts believers receive in addition to our eternal life through faith in Christ. (John 3:16) the Lord not only seeks to preserve our lives, but he is also making the claim that he will provide life for us. This is a revelation of the born-again believers’ spiritual riches.  With these words Jesus describes the growing trust and understanding we receive of the righteousness of God, and the fruitful, eternal life of the Spirit.

The false teachers and ritualistic religious leaders of two thousand years ago offered an abundance of rules and penalties. They offered re-occurring sacrifices of animals for forgiveness of sin and a little entertainment with their words. In contrast, Christ brought forgiveness once and for all with the promise of spiritual abundance and eternal life in heaven.

Yesterday’s Devotional: The Obedience of Christ