Abundant Life: A Devotional on John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 10:10

Amy Carmichael was a Protestant Christian missionary who worked in India in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She is best known for her work rescuing and caring for children who had been sold into temple prostitution in India.

Carmichael was a deeply spiritual woman and her faith in Christ played a central role in her life and work. She saw her mission as an opportunity to serve God and to bring the love and hope of Jesus to the people of India.

Carmichael faced many challenges and hardships in her work, including illness and opposition from those who opposed her efforts to rescue and care for the children. However, she remained committed to her mission and persevered in the face of these challenges.

Through her selfless service and unwavering faith, Carmichael experienced abundant life in Christ. She lived a life of purpose and meaning, motivated by her love for God and for others, and made a lasting impact on the lives of the many children she rescued and cared for.

What is the Meaning of John 10:10?

In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as a shepherd who cares for his sheep. He is the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy, where God promises to rescue his followers from false religious leaders (shepherds) who exploit their followers (sheep) for their own personal gain (Ezekiel 34:1-6). 

God promises to rescue and restore his followers saying, “As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them” (Ezekiel 34:12).

Jesus contrasts His role as a good shepherd with a thief, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The metaphor of the thief can be understood as a reference to Satan, an enemy of God who seeks to deceive and harm believers.

Warnings about Satan

There are several Bible verses in the New Testament that warn Christians to resist Satan and his deceptions:

• "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

• "But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3)

• "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)

• "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

• "And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14)

These verses remind us that Satan is a real and active force in the world, and that he seeks to deceive and harm believers. They also encourage us to be on guard against his schemes and to resist him by submitting to God and relying on His strength and protection.

Abundant Life in Christ

In contrast to Satan who seeks to exploit people for his own gain, Jesus came to bring salvation and restoration to those who believe in Him. The "abundant life" that He offers is not just a physical or material prosperity, but a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose that comes from a relationship with God.

In this verse, Jesus is reminding His followers that He is the source of true life and that He offers a life of abundance, both now and  in the life to come.

We experience abundant life when we put our faith in Jesus Christ and in the promises of God. Here are some of the promises available to us:

Eternal life

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Forgiveness of sin

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7)

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

A future hope and inheritance

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:3-4)

A Relationship with God

"And this is eternal life, that they may know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3)

The abundant life is not necessarily defined by worldly success or material prosperity, but by a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose that comes from knowing and following God.

Prayer for Abundant Life

Dear God,

I thank you for the gift of life and for the blessings you have given me. I ask that you would pour out your abundance on me and fill my life with your presence. Help me to trust in you and rely on your provision for all my needs. May I live a life that is rich and full in you.

I pray that you would give me the strength and wisdom to follow you and to serve others. May your love flow through me and touch the lives of those around me.

I ask for your protection and guidance as I navigate the challenges of this world. Keep me grounded in your truth and help me to walk in your ways.

Thank you for the gift of salvation through your son, Jesus. May I grow closer to him every day and experience the fullness of life that he offers.

I pray all of these things in Jesus' name, Amen.