Better than Just a Good Life

As we continue in a study of verses from John 10, we find a particular verse (recounting the teaching of Jesus) that is fairly popular, especially the latter half.

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 NIV

https://john.bible/john-10-10

It makes sense that this verse is popular.  After all, who wouldn’t want Jesus’ offer of this kind of life?  Let’s consider how multiple translations render that second part of John 10:10:

• “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIV)
• “I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.” (NASB)
• “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (NLT)
• “My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” (TLB – Living Bible)
• “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”  (MSG – The Message)
• “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (ESV)
• “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (KJV)

[Ref. John 10:10 – Bible Gateway]

This is indeed the kind of life that Jesus offers.  It isn’t cushy or free from challenges, but it is abundant – it is full.  And, if we really think about it, what is really more important in life?  Is it not having any difficulties, where everything is easy and always goes our way?  Or, is it having a rewarding life, rich with all of the blessings that God provides to us, living according to our God-given purpose, and having a real impact by doing what we were created to do?

As good as this truth from Jesus is, though, this wasn’t a statement said in isolation.  Considering the context of this section, this statement appears to be a contrast with false teachers and those who lead people astray (or try to steal God’s people away to take honor for themselves).

Think about a life lived under the legalistic rules of the Pharisees (in Jesus’ day) or under the legalistic direction of a modern faith that is made up entirely of “Thou shalt not” rules.   I think of these negative viewpoints like sitting on the floor alone in the dark, trying not to think, move, or act in the wrong way, focused on what we shouldn’t be doing.  That is not what Jesus offers.

Following Jesus isn’t about living a life that is merely emptied of anything that might be considered a sin (whether in God’s eyes, or in the eyes of others).  Yes, following Him does include guidance about right and wrong, but it also includes freedom and plenty of good things to do.

Instead, a life spent following Jesus is full of things like glorifying God, serving Him, loving other people like Jesus did, and enjoying the fellowship of a community of believers who are doing the same things.  I think of this as a great family get-together, in a warm house with a crackling fire and good food, surrounded by family and friends who are not only enjoying each others’ company, but also welcoming others to join them, getting to know new people who are being blessed by joining the family.

Are you living a full life with Jesus?  If you’re following Jesus but don’t feel like your life is very abundant, take a closer look at what He offers.  If you’re not following Jesus, and wonder why things don’t seem that great, check Him out.  You can read all of John 10 as a start!

From Sunday School lesson prepared for January 14, 2024

References:

• The Lookout, January 14, 2024, © 2024 Christian Standard Media.
• Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
• Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
• The College Press NIV Commentary – John, by Beauford H. Bryant and Mark S. Krause.  © 1998 College Press Publishing Co.