“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
When Jesus speaks about his ministry, He says that his goal is to give people abundant life. That’s the reason why He has come to this earth: “that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
The eternal life that Jesus wants to give us, is a rich and joyful life in God’s presence and in communion with our fellow believers. As Psalm 16:11 exclaims: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore”.
How can Jesus offer us this eternal, abundant life? By giving up his own. As He says in John 10:15: “I lay down my life for the sheep” — that is, for people who follow Him as their Shepherd.
This is the ultimate act of love, that the Son of God was ready to become a human and to lay down his life for sinners. He did so of his own accord (see John 10:18). Jesus conquered death by dying, that we “may have life and have it abundantly”.
Are you longing for this life that Jesus offers you?