Jesus — The Good Shepherd - Tuesday
TODAY’S VERSE
John 10:10-11
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (ESV)
I was driving down the interstate one day when my attention was drawn to a car abruptly swerving into my lane. I let out a quick “ah!” (you get it) and adjusted to avoid a potential collision.
As the car got back into their lane, I noticed that this driver was texting and driving, hence swerving all over the place. But then I laughed as I saw a bumper sticker on the back of their car that ironically read “life.”
Now, I’m not too sure I understand what they were trying to endorse with that sticker, but I can confidently say that their driving did NOT promote or encourage any “life.” And, sad as it may be to say, that wasn’t the first time something that promoted life threatened my life instead.
For example, social media promotes a better social life, yet we are generally far less connected to one another than we used to be. Or think of a drug commercial that promotes sunny days and laughs with friends while listing off the never ending side effects the drug could potentially cause. There are many things that promote life, yet threaten our lives instead.
Our enemy “promoted” life by suggesting that there was a better life to be had than the one God had provided us. But when Adam and Eve listened to the enemy, all it brought was division and death.
But here in John 10:10, we see this guy named Jesus who promotes life, but not just any life. No… Jesus says He came that we may have life abundantly. Some translations sub out the word “abundantly” with the word “full,” or the phrase “rich and satisfying.”
And it sounds like a promise that is too good to be true. How can we trust that Jesus actually provides us with this full and abundant life that He promotes?
The answer: We can trust that Jesus really does want us to have life, and have it abundantly, because He gave up His own life for us. Jesus didn’t just promote a full and abundant life for us, He provided a full and abundant life for us through His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave, where He permanently defeated hell, Satan, and death.
APPLICATION
Take some time today to think through your answers to these three questions:
What is something that has promised you life, but ended up threatening your life?
Do you believe that Jesus really wants you to experience a full and abundant life?
What does that mean for you today?
PRAYER
God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to die on the cross, to give up His life, that I may experience life to the full. I want to experience the abundant life that comes only from You, God. Help me to see the ways You’re already providing for me, and help me with the things that feel like they’re draining me. Amen.