João 10

João 10

Hughes - All he ever really wanted in life was more. He wanted more money, so he parlayed inherited wealth into a billion-dollar pile of assets. He wanted more fame, so he broke into the Hollywood scene and soon became a filmmaker and star. He wanted more sensual pleasures, so he paid handsome sums to indulge his every sexual urge. He wanted more thrills, so he designed, built, and piloted the fastest aircraft in the world. He wanted more power, so he secretly dealt political favors so skillfully that two U.S. presidents became his pawns. All he ever wanted was more. He was absolutely convinced that more would bring him true satisfaction. Unfortunately, history shows otherwise. This man concluded his life emaciated and colorless; with a sunken chest; fingernails in grotesque, inches-long corkscrews; rotting, black teeth; tumors; and innumerable needle marks from his drug addiction. Howard Hughes died believing the myth of more. He died a billionaire junkie, insane by all reasonable standards. (Brian Bell) Abundant Life J. O. Dykes, D. D. John 10:3-5 To him the porter opens; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.… 1. There are many organisms which manifest only a low degree of vitality. This discovers itself by defective sensation, limited powers of motion, less sensibility to pain, the comparative absence of intelligence. A sponge, a jellyfish, have life, but very far from abundance. 2. These words imply a similar variety in human life. Men differ in the amount of life they enjoy. Constitutional delicacy is the result of low physical vitality. We need to distinguish, no doubt, between feeble and undeveloped life. The limited intelligence of a savage or child may be due to want of culture. Among persons, however, who have enjoyed equal advantages the differences are very great. We speak of the slow understanding, cold heart, feeble will, and we mean that life is scanty. On the other hand are men of quick perception, keen feelings, ardour, etc., the symptoms of abundant life. 3. So there are lukewarm Christians and Christians all aflame; molluscous, torpid, and feeble Christians, as well as those who are full of faith, power, and good works. 4. Assuming these inequalities, we gather from these words that God is not satisfied with a lower degree of vitality when a higher can be attained, and that Christ has come to intensify human life. I. THIS HAS COME TRUE IN THE ORDINARY EXPERIENCES OF MEN. The effect of Christianity has not been to deaden men to the interests of this life, but to render life larger. True, its injudicious friends and shrewd opponents deny this. Of course the gospel delivers us from exorbitant and unreasonable concern about our present and petty affairs, of unreasonable longing for temporal good for its own sake. But this is far from saying that whatever goes to fill up this daily round has lost its meaning, and that Christian people have less power to stir them than others. Quite the contrary. The world is a graver, vaster thing since Christ died on it. In such a world there can be nothing insignificant. Homes have become more sacred, so near they seem to the gate of heaven. Business rises in importance when regarded as the means to glorify God and serve men. Social and political problems claim more, not less, attention because affecting the humanity for which Christ suffered, and which He calls us to seek and save. Christianity lets in upon life the light of a vaster day, brings out all its possibilities and responsibilities, makes every small thing grand and every dull person noble by linking them to the destinies of the race and to God. The Christian lives near to the sensorium of the universe in which every sensation is felt from the remotest ends — the brain and heart of Christ. Hence life must be a larger thing as it is lived in Christ. II. CHRIST MAKES LIFE MORE ABUNDANT BY CONFERRING A NEW SORT OF LIFE, one which has fuller pulses and a deeper and stronger vitality than unregenerate men can possess. They touch time and the world: we that are Christ's touch God and His eternity. The gospel sets men at once in direct contact with infinite forces, lays us along side supernatural operations, opens up God's mighty heart, creates the passion for holiness. Conversion adds a new department to man's being, gives him new thoughts, quickens new emotions, creates new ambitions. Abundant Grace in Christ -- Knox Little He came that grace might be abundant; and so it is. As the dews in the morning, in the warm summer, so are the actual graces of God that penetrate day by day the longing, thirsting soul. They are hidden; we cannot see them; but we know that they are, and if they are hidden they are only like Nature. There are spots in the world that are most beautiful — morning by morning, night by night — though you and I, in the toil of our life, may never gaze upon them. There are quiet valleys, long stretches of sea, open expanses of heaven, myriads of twinkling stars, dazzling splendours of worlds of ice — glories which, as they stretch away unseen, unpeopled, in God's vast creation, seem to be wasted; but the angels are gazing at them, and they are but a parable of grace. Grace is hidden, but grace is real. Abounding Life -- G. Macdonald, LL. D If ever sunlit, sail-crowded sea, under blue heaven flecked with wind-chased white, filled your soul as with a new gift of life, think what sense of existence must be yours, if He whose thought has but fringed its garment with the outburst of such a show, take His abode with you, and while thinking the gladness of a God inside your being, let you know and feel that He is carrying you as a Father in His bosom. QUESTION - What does it mean that God gives us life more abundantly (John 10:10)? ANSWER - John 10 begins with Jesus addressing the Pharisees (John 9:40) with a parable or figure of speech about the authenticity of the shepherd and his care for the sheep in contrast with the inauthenticity of thieves and robbers who would harm the sheep (John 10:1–5). John adds that the audience did not understand what Jesus was saying (John 10:6), so Jesus continues down the same illustrative path with another parable to further clarify the first one, and He adds in the middle of His next parable that God gives us life “more abundantly” (John 10:10, NKJV). Jesus first emphasizes that He is the door of the sheep (John 10:7)—He is the authentic shepherd He mentioned in the first parable (John 10:2). Jesus adds that those who enter through the door—through the authentic shepherd (or good shepherd, as He calls Himself in John 10:10)—will be saved, going in and out and finding pasture (John 10:9). With these references Jesus is explaining that He is the way, the truth, and the life and that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). He is the authentic shepherd, or the good shepherd who provides life (or freedom and pasture, in the parable) for His sheep. Jesus then reiterates the contrast between Himself and the thief who comes to steal and destroy. Jesus comes to give us life more abundantly (John 10:10). He would accomplish this—as a good shepherd would—by laying His life down for His sheep (John 10:11). Jesus would lay down His own life (John 10:18) as a sacrifice for sin so that those who believe in Him would not be lost (perish) but would have eternal life (John 3:16)—God would give them life more abundantly (John 10:10). There are many worldviews and belief systems that claim to offer a way for us to have true life, to be fulfilled, and to be like God—Satan’s first temptation of humanity offered an alternative way to be like God (Genesis 3:5). But Jesus is the authentic shepherd—the good shepherd (John 10:11) who provides the way to right relationship with the Father (John 14:6). It is only through Jesus that God gives us life more abundantly (John 10:10). The Pharisees were essentially enslaving the people they taught. The pharisaical system was legalistic and taught that, if people adhered closely enough to the Law of Moses, then—and only then—they could participate in God’s kingdom and receive His blessing. Jesus chastises the Pharisees sternly, explaining that the Pharisees were teaching the wrong path to righteousness and life (Matthew 5:20). Jesus explained in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5—7) that the appearance of external righteousness was not authentic righteousness and that, in order to have righteousness and life more abundantly, one needed to believe in Him (John 6:47). In the parables of John 10, Jesus is contrasting Himself especially with the Pharisees. They were the thieves and the robbers who were harming the sheep, and He was the authentic or good shepherd through whom God gives life more abundantly (John 10:10). The Pharisees’ path was deceptive and led to death. This is why Jesus on more than one occasion referred to them as vipers (Matthew 3:7, 12:34, 23:33). Jesus’ path, on the other hand, led not only to life, but to life overflowing, life more abundantly. Jesus’ path was the authentic and true path to righteousness and abundant life. Through Him we have life more abundantly (John 10:10). GotQuestions.org QUESTION - What does it mean that the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy in John 10:10? WATCH THE ACCOMPANYING VIDEO ANSWER - John 10:10 records Jesus saying, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This verse sets up a contrast between “the thief,” the destroyer; and Jesus, the life-giver. Looking at the verse in context, we see that Jesus is presenting Himself as the Good Shepherd. He is essentially telling the Pharisees that He is Messiah, the same Lord that David called “my Shepherd” in Psalm 23:1. Just prior to Jesus’ discussion of shepherds and sheep, He had healed a man born blind (John 9). The man was taken to the Pharisees, who investigated the healing but refused to acknowledge Jesus as the healer; in fact, they mocked the healed man for trusting Jesus. When Jesus heard what happened, He went to the previously blind man, revealed Himself as the Son of Man, and accepted the man’s worship of Him. Then Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind” (John 9:39). Some Pharisees overheard this and, taking offense, asked, “What? Are we blind too?” (John 9:40). Jesus replied, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains. Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep” (John 9:41—10:2). Jesus continued talking about the gatekeeper and how the shepherd calls out his sheep. Sheep will only follow the shepherd whom they know (John 10:3–5). Jesus then interpreted His words: “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:7–10). With these words, Jesus declares that He is the only way to salvation and the fullness of life. But who is the thief? And what does it mean that the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy? The Greek word for “thief” used in John 10:10 means “one who steals” (see Matthew 6:19–20); figuratively, the same word is used to refer to false teachers. Anyone who claimed a way of salvation other than Jesus was “robbing” the people of truth. Just as a thief clambers over the wall of the sheepcote, bypassing the gate, false teachers attempt to bypass Jesus. Those who, like the Pharisees, put manmade requirements on people for salvation are false teachers who “steal” people’s ability to see the true means of salvation. The result of such thievery is death and destruction, as Jesus said the thief’s plan is to “kill and destroy.” It should be stated that the Law and the Prophets, though they came before Jesus, are not thieves and robbers. The Law and the Prophets did not offer another way of salvation but pointed forward to the one way of salvation (John 5:39). False teachers are thieves who may claim to offer salvation, but their intentions are not good. Jesus had earlier told some unbelievers, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Ultimately, these false teachers/thieves are carrying out Satan’s intentions. Rather than bring life, they bring death. Rather than give, they steal. Rather than build up, they destroy. Dealing with spiritual thieves is a serious matter. Twice, Paul told the Galatians that “if anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:8–9). There is only one gospel, and that is the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–5). Any other so-called gospel is to be rejected. We are not free of false teachers today. Peter wrote, “There will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping” (2 Peter 2:1–3). Praise the Lord, God’s sheep are protected from the thief by their Shepherd. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). The sheep “follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice” (John 10:4–5). It is by knowing truth, knowing God’s voice, that we defend against the deceptions of those who would seek to steal, kill, and destroy. Life is in Jesus and Him alone. GotQuestions.org QUESTION - What did Jesus mean when He promised an abundant life? ANSWER - In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (ESV). Unlike a thief, the Lord Jesus does not come for selfish reasons. He comes to give, not to get. He comes that people may have life in Him that is meaningful, purposeful, joyful, and eternal. We receive this abundant life the moment we accept Him as our Savior. This word “abundant” in the Greek is perisson, meaning “exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, a quantity so abundant as to be considerably more than what one would expect or anticipate.” In short, Jesus promises us a life far better than we could ever imagine, a concept reminiscent of 1 Corinthians 2:9: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” The apostle Paul tells us that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, and He does it by His power, a power that is at work within us if we belong to Him (Ephesians 3:20). Before we begin to have visions of lavish homes, expensive cars, worldwide cruises, and more money than we know what to do with, we need to pause and think about what Jesus teaches regarding this abundant life. The Bible tells us that wealth, prestige, position, and power in this world are not God’s priorities for us (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). In terms of economic, academic, and social status, most Christians do not come from the privileged classes. Clearly, then, abundant life does not consist of an abundance of material things. If that were the case, Jesus would have been the wealthiest of men. But just the opposite is true (Matthew 8:20). Abundant life is eternal life, a life that begins the moment we come to Christ and receive Him as Savior, and goes on throughout all eternity. The biblical definition of life — specifically eternal life — is provided by Jesus Himself: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3). This definition makes no mention of length of days, health, prosperity, family, or occupation. As a matter of fact, the only thing it does mention is knowledge of God, which is the key to a truly abundant life. What is the abundant life? First, abundance is spiritual abundance, not material. In fact, God is not overly concerned with the physical circumstances of our lives. He assures us that we need not worry about what we will eat or wear (Matthew 6:25-32; Philippians 4:19). Physical blessings may or may not be part of a God-centered life; neither our wealth nor our poverty is a sure indication of our standing with God. Solomon had all the material blessings available to a man yet found it all to be meaningless (Ecclesiastes 5:10-15). Paul, on the other hand, was content in whatever physical circumstances he found himself (Philippians 4:11-12). Second, eternal life, the life a Christian is truly concerned with, is not determined by duration but by a relationship with God. This is why, once we are converted and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are said to have eternal life already (1 John 5:11-13), though not, of course, in its fullness. Length of life on earth is not synonymous with abundant life. Finally, a Christian’s life revolves around “grow[ing] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). This teaches us that the abundant life is a continual process of learning, practicing, and maturing, as well as failing, recovering, adjusting, enduring, and overcoming, because, in our present state, “we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror” (1 Corinthians 13:12). One day we will see God face to face, and we will know Him completely as we will be known completely (1 Corinthians 13:12). We will no longer struggle with sin and doubt. This will be the ultimately fulfilled abundant life. Although we are naturally desirous of material things, as Christians our perspective on life must be revolutionized (Romans 12:2). Just as we become new creations when we come to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), so must our understanding of “abundance” be transformed. True abundant life consists of an abundance of love, joy, peace, and the rest of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), not an abundance of “stuff.” It consists of life that is eternal, and, therefore, our interest is in the eternal, not the temporal. Paul admonishes us, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2-3). GotQuestions.org James Smith - LIFE AND ABUNDANCE JOHN 10:10 1. A Great Need. “Life.” “Alienated from the life of God.” 2. A Great Offer. “I am come that ye might have life in abundance.” (1) A Life of FREEDOM from sin and death, John 8:32 (2) A Life that is DIVINE, 2 Peter 1:4 (3) A Life that is ETERNAL, John 10:28 (4) A Life that is in ABUNDANCE, James Smith - LIFE AND ABUNDANCE “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have abundance” (John 10:10, R.V., margin). 1. A great need. “That they might have life.” It is— 1. UNIVERSAL. “As in Adam all die” (Gen. 2:17). “By one man’s offence death reigned” (Rom. 5:17). 2. VITAL. It is a death and life question (Rom. 6:23). “You hath He quickened who were dead” (Eph. 2:1). 2. A marvellous condescension. “I am come.” 1. THE PERSON. “I.” He by whom the worlds were made (John 1:3). The eternal and beloved Son, the image of the invisible God. The Word made flesh. 2. THE PURPOSE. “That they might have life.” “He hath brought life and immortality to light” (2 Tim. 1:10). He came not to be ministered unto, but to give His life a ransom for many. “He that hath the Son hath life” (1 John 5:11, 12). 3. An ample provision. “That they might have abundance.” That is— 1. ABUNDANCE OF LIFE. Life, in all its fulness, as a branch in the living vine, drawing its life from a living source, as a member of His body. The woman who touched the hem of His garment got life abundantly. 2. ABUNDANCE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THAT LIFE. In Him there is all-sufficiency to satisfy the daily wants, and to sustain amid all the trials and temptations of that new life. “My God shall supply all your need” (Phil. 4:19). Henry Blackaby - Thieves - Borrow The experience : a devotional and journal : day by day with God “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”John 10:10 Listen to the way people around you talk about God. Often, people talk as though God were a thief, obsessed with taking things away from them. When someone dies, they say, “The Lord took him.” When someone suffers a financial setback, they say, “The Lord giveth; the Lord taketh away.” People are reluctant to accept Christ because of all the things they’ll have to give up. Church members see the offering as the time when God takes their hard-earned money. It’s as though God’s goal is to make sure we never have too much. Nothing could be further from the truth! There are thieves out there, to be sure—con artists who’ll take your time, poach your possessions, and snatch your self-worth. You need to watch out for those who are out to hurt you or steal from you. But God is not one of them! God’s purpose in creating you was to give you abundant life, overflowing with joy, filled with good things. If God were interested in taking from you, he would never have sent his Son to the cross. If you’ve pictured God in your mind as a taker, you don’t know him very well. People may have hurt you and robbed your joy, but God is completely different. The more you get to know him, the more you will experience the extraordinary, abundant life he wants to give you. Talk to God, and see if he wants to give you something new today. C H Spurgeon -from his sermon Life more abundant ‘I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’ John 10:10 Abundance of life is often seen in the overflow of enjoyment. On a spring morning, when you walk in the field and see the lambs frisking so merrily, you have said, ‘There is life for you.’ You see a company of little children, all in excellent health—how they amuse themselves and what pranks they play! You say, ‘What life there is in those little children!’ Catch one of the little urchins and see if he does not wriggle out of your arms, and you say, ‘Why, he is all life.’ Just so and hence his mirth. In youth there is much life and overflow of spirits. When Israel came out of Egypt, she was young Israel and how merrily did she smite her timbrels and dance before Jehovah. When churches are revived, what life there is in them and then what singing! Never comes a revival of religion without a revival of singing. As soon as Luther’s Reformation comes, the Psalms are translated and sung in all languages; and when Whitefield and John Wesley are preaching, then Charles Wesley and Toplady must be making hymns for the people to sing, for they must show their joy, a joy born of life. When the Lord gives you, dear friend, more life, you also will have more joy. You will no more go moping about the house, or be thought melancholy and dull when the Lord gives you life more abundantly. I should not wonder if you get into the habit of singing at your work and humming tunes in your walks. I should not wonder if people ask, ‘What makes So-and-so so happy? What makes his eyes twinkle as with some strange delight? He is poor and sick, but how blissful he appears to be!’ This will be seen when you not only ‘have life’, but when you ‘have it more abundantly.’ David Jeremiah - TAKE HIS HAND - BORROW Sanctuary : finding moments of refuge in the presence of God JOHN 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Jesus Christ has proven that He has our absolute best interests at heart. What could He do that He has not done? He gave His life for us. Romans 5:8–10 says it this way: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” He is the one who said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). He gave His life for you, and if you will give Him your trust, not only will He give you today and forgive your sins, but He will give you the future. You can walk into that future with your hand in His, with a sense of confidence and with fear dispelled, knowing that He is your refuge and your strong tower. Living Life To The Maximum I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. —John 10:10 Today's Scripture: John 10:7-11 A veteran mountain climber was sharing his experiences with a group of novices preparing for their first major climb. He had conquered many of the world’s most difficult peaks, so he was qualified to give them some advice. “Remember this,” he said, “your goal is to experience the exhilaration of the climb and the joy of reaching . . . the peak. Each step draws you closer to the top. If your purpose for climbing is just to avoid death, your experience will be minimal.” I see an application to the Christian’s experience. Jesus did not call us to live the Christian life just to escape hell. It’s not to be a life of minimum joy and fulfillment, but a life that is full and overflowing. Our purpose in following Christ should not be merely to avoid eternal punishment. If that’s our primary motivation, we are missing the wonders and joys and victories of climbing higher and higher with Jesus. The Lord promised us “life . . . more abundantly” (John 10:10). We cannot experience a full and abundant life if we are living in fear. When we walk by faith, we will see each day of the Christian life as a challenge to be met, and as one more upward step to glory! Do not live minimally. Live life to the maximum! Climb that mountain with confidence! By: David C. Egner God has given life abundant— Live it fully every day; Though our time on earth is fleeting, He goes with us all the way. —Hess We get the most out of life when we live for Christ. I’m Bored I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. —John 10:10 Today's Scripture: John 10:7-14 When our kids were teens, we repeatedly had the following discussion after their church youth group meeting: I asked, “How was youth group tonight?” And they responded, “It was boring.” After several weeks of this, I decided to find out for myself. I slipped into the gym where their meeting was held, and I watched. I saw them participating, laughing, listening—having a great time. That night on the way home I asked about their evening and, once again, they said, “It was boring.” I responded, “I was there. I watched. You had a great time!” They responded, “Maybe it wasn’t as bad as usual.” I recognized that behind their reluctance to admit they were enjoying youth group were things such as peer pressure and a fear of not appearing “cool.” But then I wondered, Am I similarly afraid to get too excited about spiritual things? Indeed, there is nothing in this universe more worthy of our enthusiasm than who Christ is and what He did for us. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). That’s the opposite of boring! At any age, we have a gift from the Savior that is worth celebrating. Our salvation is something to get excited about!: Bill Crowder Father, please fill my heart with the joy of Christ. I desire that the abundant life I have found in Him might contagiously reach out to others around me. If you know Christ, you always have a reason to celebrate. Everyone Needs Jesus Whoever believes in [Jesus] should not perish but have eternal life. —John 3:15 Cambridge University professor J. S. Whale received a letter from a man who wrote that he and his wife were in their mid-sixties and saw no need for Jesus. They had never visited a church, had no belief in God or a future life, and yet had been happily married for 40 years. They were highly respected, and they did their best to make this world a better place to live in. So the writer wondered what religion could possibly offer them. How Dr. Whale answered that letter, I don’t know. But I do know that Jesus said He had come to offer “life”—life that is more abundant than anything this world can offer (John 10:10). Unlike the temporary nature of so much that we experience now, the life He offers is everlasting (John 3:15-16). As we move into our older years, sooner or later our strength diminishes. We may suffer from a painful illness or some crippling ailment; we may be unable to care for others, or for ourselves; we may experience the loss of those we love; and the shadow of oncoming death will grow darker. When the sea of life is calm, there seems to be no need for a storm-subduing Captain in our little ship. But trouble and death come to all of us. To deny our need of God is to deny reality. Everyone needs Jesus. — Vernon Grounds No one can say he doesn't need Forgiveness from his sin, For all must come to Christ by faith To have new life within. —Branon The first step to receiving abundant life in Christ is to admit that we need it. Not Much In Between That you may be filled with all the fullness of God. — Ephesians 3:19 Today's Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21 In the western panhandle of Texas is a small town named Texline. It had an ostentatious beginning in the late 1800s as a thriving center along a new railroad line. Within a few years, though, most of the shops had closed and the town’s population shriveled to about 400. In 2000, the population was still just over 500. One online description of Texline says that it has “a city limits sign at one end, another at the other end, and not much in between.” What a waste if the same description could be given of our spiritual journey! The journey of the Christian life on earth begins at the moment of faith in Jesus and ends when the believer goes to be with the Lord. This raises an important question: What happens in between? A rich and full life is available to all who believe in and serve Jesus. The apostle Paul prayed that believers would “be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:19). He wanted them to know life “abundantly” (John 10:10). But how many of us experience even a small part of the abundant life Christ promised to those who are faithful to Him? God desires to give us a marvelous beginning with salvation and a great ending in Glory—with much in between. By: David C. Egner Lord, thank You for all that You have done for me. I commit myself to making the most of my spiritual journey. I want to experience as much as I can of You and all You have to offer to me. Amen. A life given fully to God becomes a God-filled life. Let's Live Before We Die I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. — John 10:10 Today's Scripture: Philippians 3:7-14 Henry David Thoreau is often noted for his statement that most men “live lives of quiet desperation.” In an attempt to avoid that kind of existence, he lived alone from 1845 to 1847 in the woods of Walden Pond, Massachusetts. In 1854, he published his experiences in the book Walden. He wrote, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” Thoreau was right in his belief that we can die without really living. But centuries earlier, the apostle Paul told us how to avoid this. He discovered that the abundant life begins only when we turn from our own accomplishments and rely on what Christ did for us on the cross (Philippians 3:7-9). Yet Paul didn’t stop there. He wanted to experience as much of Christ as he possibly could, longing to know Him in a deeply personal way (v.10). Paul also wanted to fulfill the purpose for which Christ had saved him (vv.12-14). Jesus said that He came to give us an abundant life (John 10:10). And when we know His mind, feel His heart, and experience the power of His resurrection, we will truly live before we die. — Mart DeHaan We all can have abundant life, Not one of desperation, As we walk closely with the Lord And flee from sin's temptation. —Sper To know Christ is to truly live. Christ the Door - John Butler in Daily Bible Reading “I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10:9) THIS verse on Christ the Savior speaks of the portal of salvation, protection in salvation, and pleasure in salvation. Portal of salvation. “I am the door.” Christ states emphatically that He is the way of salvation. And He is the only way of salvation. There are no other doors. He is the only Door, the only portal through which men may enter and be saved. This fact of Christ being the only way is emphasized repeatedly throughout Scripture. Paul says, “There is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). There is only one mediator. Mary is no mediator, neither is anyone else except Christ. Christ also emphasized that He was the only way when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). And Peter said, “Neither is there salvation in any other” (Acts 4:12). Protection in salvation. “Saved.” When we come to Christ we become “saved.” What a great term “saved” is to describe the work of our redemption. We are saved from spending an eternity in hell; we are saved from experiencing the awful wrath of God which comes upon the sins of man; we are saved from condemnation which would justly be ours if we did not have our sins cleansed and forgiven. To be saved says we are protected from the worst things that could happen to us. No protection is greater or more needed by mankind. Pleasure in salvation. “Shall go in and out, and find pasture.” Here is the pleasure of freedom and food. First, freedom. Freedom is in the words “go in and out.” Often the world says that salvation restricts one’s life. But that is simply not the truth, for salvation brings the greatest freedom of all. It is sin that enslaves and addicts. Second, food. “Pasture” speaks of food for the soul. The world starves the soul. It leaves man hungry for the best food of all. In prophecy Isaiah speaks of this food being in Christ when he says, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat” (Isaiah 55:1). He Fills the Empty The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 10:1–10 Psychologist Madeline Levine noticed the fifteen-year-old girl’s “cutter disguise”—a long sleeve T-shirt pulled halfway over her hand commonly used by people who engage in self-harm. When the young girl pulled back her sleeve, Levine was startled to find that the girl had used a razor to carve “empty” on her forearm. She was saddened, but also grateful the teen was open to receiving the serious help she desperately needed. The teen in some way represents many people who’ve carved “empty” on their hearts. John wrote that Jesus came to fill the empty and to offer life “to the full” (John 10:10). God placed the desire for a full life in every human being, and He longs for people to experience a loving relationship with Him. But He also warned them that the “thief” would use people, things, and circumstances to attempt to ravage their lives (vv. 1, 10). The claims each made to give life would be counterfeit and an imitation. In contrast, Jesus offers what’s true—“eternal life” and the promise that “no one will snatch [us] out of [His] hand” (v. 28). Only Jesus can fill the empty spaces in our hearts with life. If you’re feeling empty, call out to Him today. And if you’re experiencing serious struggles, seek out godly counsel. Christ alone provides life that’s abundant and full—life full of meaning found in Him. By: Marvin Williams In your search for significance and excitement, what kinds of things have left you disappointed? How has Jesus made your life full? Jesus, as I consider the full and abundant life You’ve provided for me, please help me resist turning from You to things I think will satisfy me. Life to the Full I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Mark 10:28–31; John 10:9–10 When I stopped by to visit my sister’s family, my nephews eagerly showed me their new chore system, a set of Choropoly boards. Each colorful electronic board keeps track of their chores. A job well done means the kids can hit a green button, which adds points to their “spending” account. A misdeed like leaving the back door open results in a fine being deducted from the total. Since a high-points total leads to exciting rewards such as computer time—and misdeeds deduct from that total—my nephews are now unusually motivated to do their work and to keep the door closed! The ingenious system had me joking that I wished I had such an exciting motivational tool! But of course God has given us motivation. Rather than simply commanding obedience, Jesus has promised that a life of following Him, while costly, is also a life of abundance, “life . . . to the full” (John 10:10). Experiencing life in His kingdom is worth “one hundred times” the cost—now and eternally (Mark 10:29–30). We can rejoice in the fact that we serve a generous God, One who does not reward and punish as we deserve. He generously accepts our weakest efforts—even welcoming and rewarding latecomers to His kingdom as generously as old-timers (see Matt. 20:1–16). In light of this reality, let us joyfully serve Him today. By: Monica La Rose Lord, help us to remember there is great meaning in following You and that it is all so worth it. Following Jesus is the way to a rich and satisfying life. Existing Or Truly Living? I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. —John 10:10 Today's Scripture: John 10:1-11 On a family visit to Disneyland, I pondered the sign over the entrance arch that read, “Welcome to the happiest place on earth.” The rest of the day I looked at the faces of the people and was impressed by the small number who were actually smiling during their visit to “the happiest place on earth.” I roamed the park with divided attention—trying to make sure my kids had a good time and wondering why so few adults seemed to be enjoying themselves. As I think of that day, I am reminded of a line from an old song that says, “Life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone.” So it seems. To live life to the fullest is qualitatively different than merely existing. In fact, Jesus said that part of His mission was to enable us to live life to the fullest: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). He came so that we could experience life to the full—not according to the standards of a fallen world, but life as it was intended to be. It is life according to the designs and desires of the Creator of life. By coming to provide forgiveness for rebellious, broken people, Jesus has made it possible for us to live a life of joy and hope in a world of despair. By: Bill Crowder Jesus came to bring us life— Abundant living, full and free; Trusting Him to save and keep us Gives us joy the world can see. —Sper To know God puts a song in your heart and a smile on your face. THE DANGER OF SHEEP STRAYING: AN ILLUSTRATION (from a Sermon Prone to Wander) Korean Air, flight #007 (you may remember this from October, 1983) departed Anchorage, Alaska for a direct flight to Seoul, Korea. Unknown to the pilot and the crew, the computer engaging the flight navigation system contained a 1-1/2 degree routing error. At the point of departure, the mistake was unnoticeable. 100 miles out, the deviation was still so small as to be undetectable. But as the giant 747 continued on its journey through the Aleutians and out over the Pacific, the error was picked up by Soviet radar. Jets were scrambled for the intercept, and over Mainland Russia, hundreds of miles off course, #007 was shot out of the sky, and all aboard were lost. A small error made at the departure point resulted in a tragic trajectory and a destructive finish. May the Lord help us to keep comparing where we are going with the navigation charts so we stay on course and not wander into the enemy's territory.—George Wood John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. BGT John 10:11 Ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός. ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλὸς τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ τίθησιν ὑπὲρ τῶν προβάτων· KJV John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. NET John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. CSB John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ESV John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. NIV John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. NLT John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. the good: John 10:14 Ps 23:1 80:1 Isa 40:11 Eze 34:12,23 Ezek 37:24 Mic 5:4 Zec 13:7 Heb 13:20 1Pe 2:25 1Pe 5:4 lays down His life: Ge 31:39,40 1Sa 17:34-35 2Sa 24:17 Isa 53:6 Eph 5:2 Tit 2:14 1Pe 2:24 Jehovah Roi (Raah, Rohi, Roeh): The Lord is My Shepherd 1 Jehovah Roi: The Lord is My Shepherd 2 Borrow Phillip Keller - A shepherd looks at the Good Shepherd and His sheep The Good Shepherd - Thomas Watson John 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Ezekiel 34:12 “As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day. Psalm 100:3+ Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Isaiah 40:11 Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. Psalm 95:7+ For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you would hear His voice, 1 Samuel 17:34-35+ (ILLUSTRATION OF Jn 10:11) But David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 2 Samuel 24:17+ Then David spoke to the LORD when he saw the angel who was striking down the people, and said, “Behold, it is I who have sinned, and it is I who have done wrong; but these sheep, what have they done? Please let Your hand be against me and against my father’s house.” Isaiah 53:6+ All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. Zechariah 13:7+ “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the man, My Associate,” Declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones. Ephesians 5:2+ and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Titus 2:14+ Who gave Himself for (HUPER = ON OUR BEHALF, IN OUR PLACE - SUBSTITUTION) us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Hebrews 13:20+ Now the God of peace, Who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep (RESURRECTION) through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 1 Peter 2:24-25+ and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that (hina - PURPOSE CLAUSE) we might die to sin (JUSTIFICATION) and live to righteousness (SANCTIFICATION); for by His wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. 2 Corinthians 5:21+ He made Him Who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that (hina - PURPOSE CLAUSE) we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (THE GREAT EXCHANGE - GOD IMPUTED OUR SINS TO CHRIST AND CHRIST'S RIGHTEOUSNESS TO US! AMAZING GRACE!) THE SELFLESS SHEPHERD WILLINGLY DIES FOR HIS SHEEP Strictly speaking this is the FOURTH great "I AM" statement in the Gospel of John -"I Am the Bread of life (Jn 6:35). “I Am the Light of the world” (Jn 8:12). “I AM the door of the sheep” (Jn 10:7). “I AM the good shepherd” (Jn 10:11, 14). I am (ego eimi - present tense - continually) the good (kalos) Shepherd (poimen) - Note two definite articles “THE shepherd THE good one” meaning "emphatically, and, in the sense intended, exclusively so." (Jamieson) Jesus is picking up on the metaphor in Jn 10:2. Good (kalos) describes Him as beautiful, in the sense of beautiful in His noble character (cf 1Ti 3:7) and His selfless service (cf 1Ti 4:6, 1Pe 4:10). It describes the perfect model for His sheep to seek to imitate. Kalos is used 4 times in John 10 twice of the Shepherd (Jn 10:11,14), and twice of works (Jn 10:32, 33) (One other use in John is applied to wine Jn 2:10). The main responsibility of the shepherd was to keep the flock intact, to protect and to provide for the sheep. Jesus’ mission is marked by a caring concern and willingness to die for the sheep. It is interesting that in Jesus' day shepherds were generally despised, so imagine the reaction of the Pharisees when He referred to Himself as a lowly Shepherd!