Who does not want to live an abundant life? Jesus tells us in John 10:10The thief (satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly.[1] The word abundantly means exceptional, beyond the norm, and more than enough. Living an abundant life has nothing to do with how wealthy you are or your station in life. Abundant life is the spiritual life Jesus brings to us as we place our faith in Him. Our Lord is not stingy, but a God of abundance. Does this sound like the type of life you want to be part of?
The Abundant Life for a Government Official
In our story, a government official is seeking Jesus to have his son healed. The text doesn’t tell us if this official was a Jew or Gentile, simply that he was a government official. Even if this man was a Jew, he would have been seen as a traitor as he worked under Herod. He would have not been accepted by the Jews but still, he seeks out Jesus, a Jewish rabbi.
John 4:46There was a government official in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die. 48 Jesus asked, “Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?” 49 The official pleaded, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.” 50 Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed what Jesus said and started home. 51 While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well.[2]
The son is well, and his life has been restored, but God was doing something even greater. Something exceptional, beyond the norm, something of abundance. Society may have not thought this man was worthy of abundance because of his job. Jesus didn’t care what society thought, He gifted the man with a believing family.
Abundant Life for You
Life is temporary, but when you believe in Jesus, you have eternal life. When the family in our story became believers, they started down a different path, a path of following Jesus. An abundant life comes from following God’s ways, pursuing holiness, and seeking to be more like Him.
Psalm 18:30 God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. [3] As a result, others see the abundant life in you and are led to Jesus through your example: Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. [4]
God created us to want more. But which kind of “more” will we seek? Abundance in worldly pursuits or an abundant life? The more we desire God, the more abundant our life will be. To hear more about this type of life, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/encountering-jesus-with-a-government-official
May God grant you the abundant life in 2021. Have a blessed new year from Light of Christ Journey.
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 10:10). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[2-4 Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.