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
Psychologist Madeline Levine noticed the fifteen-year-old girl’s “cutter disguise”—a long sleeve T-shirt pulled halfway over her hand commonly used by people who engage in self-harm. When the young girl pulled back her sleeve, Levine was startled to find that the girl had used a razor to carve “empty” on her forearm. She was saddened, but also grateful the teen was open to receiving the serious help she desperately needed.
The teen in some way represents many people who’ve carved “empty” on their hearts. John wrote that Jesus came to fill the empty and to offer life “to the full” (John 10:10). God placed the desire for a full life in every human being, and He longs for people to experience a loving relationship with Him. But He also warned them that the “thief” would use people, things, and circumstances to attempt to ravage their lives (vv. 1, 10). The claims each made to give life would be counterfeit and an imitation. In contrast, Jesus offers what’s true—“eternal life” and the promise that “no one will snatch [us] out of [His] hand” (v. 28).
Only Jesus can fill the empty spaces in our hearts with life. If you’re feeling empty, call out to Him today. And if you’re experiencing serious struggles, seek out godly counsel. Christ alone provides life that’s abundant and full—life full of meaning found in Him.
Read: John 10:1-10 (NIV)
The Good Shepherd and His Sheep
10 1 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate,
but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.g
2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.h
3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice.i
He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.j
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them,
and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.k
5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”
6 Jesus used this figure of speech,l but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.m
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I amn the gateo for the sheep.
8 All who have come before mep are thieves and robbers,q but the sheep have not listened to them.
9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.a 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,r and have it to the full.s
INSIGHT
- In your search for significance and excitement, what kinds of things have left you disappointed?
- How has Jesus made your life full?
One of the stylistic features of John’s gospel is the frequent use of the words very truly (see, for example, John 10:1, 7). In the King James Version, the words are translated “verily, verily” and in the English Standard Version, “truly, truly.” These words are a transliteration of the Hebrew word aw-mane, from which we get our English word amen. As demonstrated in Old and New Testament usage and our subsequent usage, the word speaks of things that are “firm,” “true,” “trustworthy,” and “faithful.” John is the only gospel where this “double amen” phrase (twenty-five times) comes from the lips of Jesus, the One with the title “the Amen” (Revelation 3:14). The words of the One who provides life “to the full” (John 10:10) are trustworthy indeed.
PRAYER
Jesus, as I consider the full and abundant life You’ve provided for me, please help me resist turning from You to things I think will satisfy me. In your holy name, I pray and believe. Amen!!
Read: John 10:1-10 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 14-15; James 2
