In the Good Shepherd discourse, Jesus introduces this powerful truth. Our Good Shepherd has come to bring “abundant” life.
It’s important to see the context of this statement. Jesus says these words, “7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10.7-10.
Jesus makes it clear that His sheep will have enemies. His sheep will experience hardship, even pain and suffering. His sheep have an enemy, one who comes to steal, kill and destroy.
Let’s pause here for a moment. Do you believe this truth? Do you believe you have an enemy who comes to not just take your innocence but to take your very life? An enemy who “prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5.8.
The caricature images of a red devil with a pitchfork have severely diminished the reality of our enemy. There is no more grotesque, horrific, pain-infested being than our enemy who “is crouching at your door; desiring to have you.” Genesis 4.7.
But we need not fear. We have a Good Shepherd. We have one that has come to bring us life, and have it to the full.
We believe these truths are true. What do you believe?
Reflection:
1. Do you believe you have an enemy? How have you experienced the enemy? How is our enemy ultimately defeated?
2. In your own words, define the “abundant life” Jesus has come to bring.
3. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” How might you fully live into this truth today?
Pray through the truth of Ephesians 6.10-20.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
