"John 9:35-10:21
Enjoy fullness of life
Many people think that God wants to take things away from us. They think that God wants to destroy their fun. Jesus says that, in fact, the opposite is the case. Jesus says, ‘I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)’ (John 10:10b, AMP). This has been my experience. In a relationship with Jesus we find meaning, purpose, fulfilment, peace, forgiveness, and life in all its fullness.
Don’t let the devil rob you
Jesus contrasts himself with ‘the thief’ who comes to ‘steal and kill and destroy’ (v.10a). The devil wants to rob you of your peace and enjoyment of life. Don’t let him.
Be assured of God’s love for you
Jesus also contrasts the good shepherd with the ‘hired hand’ who, when the wolf attacked the flock, runs away because he cares nothing for the sheep (vv.12–13).
On the other hand, the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (vv.11,15). This is entirely voluntary: ‘The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life – only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord’ (vv.17–18). If you ever doubt that God loves you, you simply have to look at the cross: Jesus laid down his life for you.
Learn to listen to his voice
It is in the instinctive nature of sheep to recognise the shepherd’s voice: ‘The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice’ (vv.3–4).
The more you get to know Jesus, the more you will get to discern whether it is his voice rather than the deceptive voice of the wolf.
Know that you have eternal life
The one we know not only dies for us but he also rises from the dead for us. He has the power to take his life again: ‘I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again’ (v.18b). He gives you eternal life.
Jesus later defines eternal life like this: ‘Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent’ (17:3).
Lord, thank you that you love me so much that you laid down your life for me. Thank you for making it possible for me to know you, to speak to you, and to hear your voice speaking to me. Thank you that you give me life and life in all its fullness."
1. Indeed, thank You for the life, for the salvation, for everything.
2. People come in our lives for a season or for a reason. Thank You for the great time together.
3. Praise God for technology, really. Distance does not become obvious.
