Sam's Biblical Insight, Exploring the Word, Faith, Theology, Doctrine, and Christian Life in the Spirit

Text: ‘I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly’

n John 10:10, the phrase καὶ περισσὸν ἔχωσιν—translated as “and have it in abundance”—points to a life marked by fullness and richness, encompassing both eternal and earthly dimensions. Yet, this promise carries a deeper truth: it is not an unconditional guarantee.

Jesus makes it clear that abundant life is extended to those who come to Him, follow Him, and embrace His message. At the beginning of His ministry, He proclaimed:

“Repent (return to God) and believe in the gospel, for the kingdom of Heaven is near” (Mark 1:15).

As the Savior, Jesus came first to His own people under the Old Covenant and extended His invitation to the lost of the world through the New Covenant. In this context, abundant life requires more than acknowledgment—it demands a response. Those who seek it must commit to Jesus as the Shepherd by listening to His voice and living in alignment with His words. This life of abundance begins with a turn toward God in faith and repentance.

Temporal Life and Divine Provision

In the Old Testament, God promised Israel abundant blessings—a land flowing with milk and honey, fruitful harvests, freedom from sickness and oppression, and protection from enemies. These promises reflected not only divine provision but also the covenant relationship between God and His people.

In a similar way, Jesus extends both spiritual and physical provision, offering peace, strength, and relief from burdens to those who accept Him as Lord and Shepherd. His words in Matthew 6 emphasize this care:

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear… Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26).

Jesus further reminds His followers:

“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8).

The abundant life Jesus offers reflects the same care and sustenance God provided to Israel. Just as the Israelites were called to remain faithful by keeping God’s commandments, Jesus’ “sheep” are called to live in faithful obedience. As Israel depended on God for provision during their wilderness journey, believers today are invited to trust Jesus in faith, receiving His provision as they follow Him.

Eternal Life and Spiritual Fullness

Jesus’ words in John 10:10 highlight the eternal dimension of this promise:

“I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

The phrase καὶ περισσὸν ἔχωσιν suggests that the abundant life Jesus speaks of overflows from the eternal life found in Him. This richness includes a secure, everlasting relationship with God—marked by joy, peace, and divine purpose. However, this fullness is reserved for those who are born again and who actively seek and follow Jesus’ teachings. Indifference to His call forfeits the abundance He offers.

Psalm 23 beautifully mirrors this promise. David’s words, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” reflect a life saturated with God’s provision, guidance, and peace. The imagery of green pastures and a prepared table presents a powerful picture of God’s sustenance and care for those who, like David, place their trust in Him.

Conclusion

The “life in abundance” that Jesus offers in John 10:10 is a rich and comprehensive promise—but it is not unconditional. It is extended to those who turn to Jesus, repent, and follow Him as disciples. For these followers, the abundant life encompasses both temporal and eternal blessings, reflecting God’s provision for physical needs, freedom from spiritual burdens, and the promise of everlasting life.

Psalm 23 aptly captures this reality, showing the depth of fulfillment found in living under the care of the Good Shepherd. Yet, as Solomon observed:

“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).

All temporal abundance—success, riches, and fame—if not rooted in God, ultimately fades. Solomon’s conclusion serves as a reminder:

“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment…whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

This calls each of us to seek the true abundance found in a life committed to God through Christ—the only source of lasting fulfillment and eternal life.

The “life in abundance” that Jesus offers is neither a prosperity scheme nor an irrevocable guarantee for all sheep. Rather, it is a genuine promise extended to His sheep—those who hear His voice, know Him, and faithfully follow the Good Shepherd all the way until they enter the eternal promised land – the kingdom of heaven.

Sola Scriptura! Sola fide! Solus Christus! Sola Gratia! Soli Deo Gloria!