“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
—John 10:10 (ESV)
From the moment we take our first breath, we are creatures of desire. As toddlers, we reach for one more toy, cry for another bite of food, or plead for an extra bedtime story. This longing doesn’t vanish as we age; it transforms. We pursue more success, recognition, possessions, or experiences. Society often labels this craving as a flaw—a symptom of our sinful nature that must be suppressed. But what if this desire for more isn’t a mistake? What if it’s a deliberate thread woven into our souls by God Himself?
This blog post explores John 10:10, unpacking how Jesus offers us a more abundant life. We’ll exegete the passage, dive into key Greek terms using the English Standard Version (ESV), and reflect on how our innate desire for more is God’s design, meant to draw us to Him. We’ll also address the discontentment that misdirects this desire and discover how abundant life is about spiritual fullness, not material excess.
Are we so different from toddlers? From our youngest days, we pine, crave, beg, and even covet more. This relentless pursuit often feels like a burden, a shadow of sin we can’t escape. Yet, Scripture suggests something radical: our desire for more is part of God’s intentional design. He created us with an insatiable thirst because He is a God of abundance—overflowing with love, grace, and goodness. When sin entered the world, it didn’t create this longing; it distorted it. Discontentment crept in, twisting our God-given hunger into a restless chase after temporary things.
God wants us to seek more, not more stuff, but more of Him. The tension between what we have and want is not a curse; it’s a compass pointing us to eternity. Jesus steps into this tension in John 10:10, declaring His mission: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” This isn’t a promise of wealth or ease, but a life so rich and full that it redefines our deepest desires. Let’s journey through this verse, uncover its meaning, and learn how to embrace the abundant life Jesus offers.
Exegesis of John 10:7-10: The Shepherd and the Sheep
To grasp John 10:10, we need context. In John 10, Jesus employs a powerful metaphor: a shepherd and his sheep. This imagery resonated deeply with His first-century audience, familiar with shepherds who lived among their flocks, guiding and guarding them. Let’s examine verses 7-10 (ESV):
“So Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.’”
Jesus as the Door of the Sheep
Jesus begins, “I am the door of the sheep” (v. 7), repeating it in verse 9 for emphasis. In ancient Israel, shepherds often built pens with a single entrance, lying across it at night to protect the flock. Jesus positions Himself as this door—the sole access to safety and provision. This echoes John 14:6: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Salvation and abundant life are found exclusively through Him.
Thieves and Robbers
Next, Jesus contrasts Himself with “thieves and robbers” (v. 8)—those who came before Him. Likely a jab at self-serving religious leaders like the Pharisees, this critique highlights their failure to care for God’s people. The sheep, Jesus notes, “did not listen to them,” recognizing the authentic voice of their true Shepherd (see v. 4-5). These impostors exploit rather than nurture, a stark foil to Jesus’ mission.
Salvation and Pasture
For those who enter through Him, Jesus promises, “he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture” (v. 9). “Go in and out” is a Hebrew idiom (e.g., Psalm 121:8) signifying a secure, free life under the shepherd’s care. “Pasture” represents nourishment—spiritual sustenance found in Christ’s presence and Word.
The Thief’s Intent vs. Jesus’ Mission
Finally, John 10:10 delivers the climax: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The thief—whether false leaders, Satan, or worldly lures—seeks destruction. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, offers life in overflowing measure. This contrast sets the stage for understanding “abundant life.”
Key Terms in the Original Greek
Let’s deepen our understanding by exploring three key Greek words from John 10:7-10.
Door (Thura)
Greek: θύρα (thura)
Meaning: A portal or entrance.
Significance: Jesus as thura underscores His role as the only way into God’s fold. No alternate paths exist—He is the gate to salvation and abundant life (Acts 4:12). This exclusivity challenges modern pluralism but anchors evangelical faith.
Thief (Kleptes) and Robber (Lestes)
Greek: κλέπτης (kleptes) and λῃστής (lestes)
Meaning: Kleptes implies stealth and deception (a pickpocket); lestes suggests violence (a bandit).
Significance: These terms depict false shepherds—cunning manipulators or brutal oppressors. Beyond historical leaders, they symbolize any force (sin, idolatry, materialism) that robs us of true life, contrasting Jesus’ life-giving purpose.
Abundantly (Perissos)
Greek: περισσός (perissos)
Meaning: Exceeding, over and above, more than necessary, superadded.
Significance: Perissos elevates “life” beyond mere existence. It’s not about quantity (longevity) or ease, but a quality of life—overflowing, rich, and surpassing expectations. Jesus offers a surplus of grace, joy, and peace.
What Is Abundant Life?
With these terms in mind, what does “abundant life” mean? Our culture might equate abundance with wealth or comfort, but Jesus’ promise defies such notions. Consider His life: He faced poverty, rejection, and the cross—yet lived abundantly in purpose and communion with God. Let’s unpack this life He offers.
Not Material Abundance
Abundant life isn’t a long life or an easy one. Jesus warns against treasuring earthly riches (Matthew 6:19-21) and calls us to take up our cross (Luke 9:23). Prosperity gospel distortions miss the mark—abundance isn’t a bigger house or bank account.
Spiritual Fullness
Instead, abundant life is:
Knowing God: Intimacy with the Creator fills us with purpose. “In your presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).
Contentment: Paul learned contentment in plenty or want (Philippians 4:11-12), rooted in Christ’s sufficiency.
Fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) mark this life. These treasures outshine gold.
Freedom and Hope
Freedom from Fear: Jesus’ sheep “go in and out” securely, free from anxiety under His care (John 10:9).
Eternal Perspective: This life extends beyond the grave, offering hope that reframes every trial (John 11:25-26).
Abundant life is having more of God—a vibrant, Spirit-filled existence reflecting His character.
Discontentment and Misplaced Desires
Yet, we often miss this abundance. Discontentment gnaws at us—our jobs aren’t enough, our homes too small, our lives too ordinary. This restlessness, God’s gift to draw us to Him, gets hijacked. We chase worldly “more”—success, pleasure, status—only to find emptiness.
The Tension’s Purpose
The gap between what we have and what we want isn’t meant to torment us; it’s a signpost to eternity. Augustine prayed, “Our heart is restless until it rests in You.” Solomon’s pursuits—wealth, wisdom, pleasure—ended in vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:14). Only God satisfies.
The Wrong “More”
Jesus illustrates this in the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13-21), who hoards for himself but dies unfulfilled. When we misplace our desire, we let thieves—materialism, pride, sin—steal our joy. “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).
Redirecting Our Longing
Jesus redirects us: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). When we crave more of God, our desires align with His, and we taste the perissos life.
Embracing Abundant Life - A Call to Action
How do we live this abundant life? It starts at the door—Jesus. Salvation through faith in Him (John 3:16) opens the gate. But it’s more than a one-time decision; it’s a daily walk with the Shepherd.
Practical Steps
Seek God Daily: Prayer, Scripture, and worship tune us to His voice (John 10:27).
Cultivate Contentment: Gratitude shifts our focus from lack to abundance (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Pursue Holiness: Living God’s way—“his way is perfect” (Psalm 18:30)—ushers in peace.
Trust the Shepherd: Rest in His provision, not our striving (Matthew 11:28-30).
Shine for Others: Our abundant life draws others to Jesus: “Let your light shine” (Matthew 5:16).
The Fruit of Following
As we follow, the Spirit transforms us. Joy persists through sorrow, peace calms our storms, and love overflows to neighbors. This isn’t a life free of pain, but one where pain has purpose under a Shepherd who laid down His life (John 10:11).
Which “More” Will We Seek?
God created us to want more, not as a flaw, but as a feature. The question is: which “more” will we chase? Worldly abundance that fades, or the abundant life Jesus brings? The thief offers fleeting thrills; Jesus offers eternal fullness.
Let’s listen to the Shepherd’s voice in a culture screaming for more. Let’s redirect our toddler-like cravings to the One who says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” As we seek more of Him, we’ll find our hearts satisfied, our lives overflowing, and our witness radiant. May we pray with David: “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). That’s the abundant life—today, tomorrow, and forever.
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