The thief’s purpose is to get, but Jesus’ purpose is to give. John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.[1] Here life is the Greek word zoe. This means the absolute fullness of life, life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God.[2]
Jesus tells us that we get this full life abundantly. The Greek word translated as abundantly is perissos. It means exceeding abundantly, supremely, much more than all, superior, extraordinary, surpassing, uncommon, more remarkable, more excellent.[3] That is a long list of adjectives!
We can see that Jesus promises us something beyond our imaginations. 1 Corinthians 2: 9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”[4]
What is Abundant Life?
The abundant life is spiritual, not material, and defined by a relationship with Jesus. Nowhere does Jesus promise wealth and long life. He does, however, promise to supply what we need. Matthew 6: 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [5]
The Holy Spirit will guide the true, abundant life. Galatians 5: 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. [6]
Focus on the Eternal
Jesus gave His life for us on the cross, and when we come to faith, He gives us life right now. In our culture, there have been spiritual thieves who have deceived the sheep. Many are discovering how unsatisfying materialism is. They are looking for something more, something real. Jesus is calling us to listen to His voice and to come and follow Him.
When we come to Jesus, He begins to transform our lives in the power of the Holy Spirit. We can have peace as we follow Jesus in this world, and assurance of more to come in the eternal world. Colossians 3: 1Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. [7] To learn more about Jesus’ purpose, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-gate
[1,4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). Crossway Bibles.
[2] G2222, Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
[3] Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
[5-7] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.