What is the abundant life Jesus promised?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The abundant life Jesus promised in John 10:10 encompasses fullness of life both in this life and for eternity. It is a life marked by deep, meaningful relationship with God through Jesus Christ, characterized by forgiveness, peace, and eternal salvation. This life overflows with joy, purpose, and spiritual fruitfulness, guided by God's presence and provision. The abundant life Jesus promised begins now for believers who trust in Him as they abide in Him. Ultimately, the abundant life offers a profound sense of fulfillment and completeness found exclusively in knowing and following Jesus Christ.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Jesus promised abundant life in the New Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In John 10:10 Jesus says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
• In context, Jesus had recently healed a man born blind, whom, after much questioning, the Pharisees had cast out of the synagogue. Jesus found the man, revealed Himself as the Messiah, and invited him to express his belief in Him. He also indicted the Pharisees' spiritual blindness and disbelief, saying "If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, 'We see,' your guilt remains" (John 9:41).
• John 10 continues into judgment of the religious leaders and illustrations of Jesus' identity, this time using various metaphors related to shepherding (cf. Ezekiel 34:1–10). John 10:7 and 9 identify Jesus as the door for the sheep, and in John 10:11 and 14 Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd. John 10:10 serves as a juxtaposition of the good shepherd, who carefully tends the sheep, with thieves, who do not come for the good of the sheep or its owner. Rather, as Jesus points out, they come "only to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10). In contrast, Jesus comes to bring us abundant life!
• When it says that Jesus came "that they may have life and have it abundantly," He did not bring both life and abundant life as if those are two separate things. Rather, He brings life abundantly. In the Greek, "life" refers to the basic reality of living in the literal sense as well as life in the figurative sense. The life that Jesus brings is essential for living, but it is also over and above, overflowing, and more than is necessary.
• The New Testament epistles talk about new life in Christ (Ephesians 4:22–24; Colossians 2:11–15; 3:1–4).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Jesus alone brings fullness of what life truly is. God is the author and creator of life (Genesis 1). John 1:4 says that "In [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men." In Jesus we can know and live the fullness of purpose for which we were created. Sin brought death into the world (Genesis 3; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1–10), but God restores life (John 14:6). Jesus defeated death on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:56–57). For those who believe in Him, that means physical resurrection to eternity with God (1 Corinthians 15; Revelation 21—22). But it also means experience of real life now.

Clearly we live in a fallen world marred by the effects of the fall and replete with the vestiges of death. Though death is defeated, it will not be finally removed until Jesus returns (Revelation 20). Jesus has come and made the way of salvation, yet we await final restoration. We exist in the in-between. In this life we experience abundant life by being saved from our sin and living in the hope He has promised us. We experience abundant life as we live in accordance with God's will and His ways. Humans were designed in God's image, for relationship with Him and with one another. We were intended to participate in His work in the world (Genesis 1:27–31). It is as we live in His love and His truth that we experience life (John 17:20–26; 1 John 2:15–17; 5:1–5). One day, all who have trusted in Him will experience the fulfillment of abundant life in ways we cannot yet fully fathom (1 John 3:2).

UNDERSTAND

• Abundant life in Jesus offers deep spiritual satisfaction and purpose.
• The abundant life Jesus promised includes God's provision of peace, joy, and purpose beyond material needs.
• The abundant life Jesus promised begins now and extends into eternity.

REFLECT

• In what areas of your life do you feel you're experiencing the "abundant life" Jesus promised? Where do you feel it's lacking?
• How has your understanding of "abundant life" changed over time, and how does it align with what Jesus describes in John 10:10?
• What practical steps can you take this week to more fully embrace and live out the abundant life Jesus offers?

ENGAGE

• How do we enjoy the abundant life Jesus offers now while also looking forward to its ultimate fulfillment in eternity?
• Considering the contrast Jesus draws between Himself as the Good Shepherd and the destructive intentions of thieves (John 10:10), how can we actively protect and nurture the abundant life Jesus promises within our communities?
• In what ways does our pursuit of abundant life challenge societal norms and expectations?