John 10
Jesus continues addressing the Pharisees (v1-21), accusing them of being "thieves and robbers" and wolves (v1,10,11-13) for leading the Jews astray. Jesus then contrasts Himself as The Good Shepherd (vs thieves, robbers, wolves) who knows His sheep (and His sheep know Him - v3-5,16), and who saves and protects His sheep from harm (v9, 15).
John Piper calls out critical aspects of this story as (1) He "[came] that [we] may have life , and have it to the full, and (2) Jesus has "authority to take [life] up again" (v15).
Yes - we are saved. But Piper correctly explains how Jesus gives us SO much more....more than our earthly minds can imagine. Piper says, "[w]e want more than mere life. We want abundant life. Overflowing life. Deep life. Weighty life. Joyful life. We don’t just want to survive. We want to thrive at every level of our human being. We were made for this". We also have this for eternity! This is the essence of Jesus - heavenly abundance!
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who gives me life - to the full, and for eternity! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such gifts...I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice. v4-5
Jesus continues addressing the Pharisees (v1-21), accusing them of being "thieves and robbers" and wolves (v1,10,11-13) for leading the Jews astray. Jesus then contrasts Himself as The Good Shepherd (vs thieves, robbers, wolves) who knows His sheep (and His sheep know Him - v3-5,16), and who saves and protects His sheep from harm (v9, 15).
John Piper calls out critical aspects of this story as (1) He "[came] that [we] may have life , and have it to the full, and (2) Jesus has "authority to take [life] up again" (v15).
Yes - we are saved. But Piper correctly explains how Jesus gives us SO much more....more than our earthly minds can imagine. Piper says, "[w]e want more than mere life. We want abundant life. Overflowing life. Deep life. Weighty life. Joyful life. We don’t just want to survive. We want to thrive at every level of our human being. We were made for this". We also have this for eternity! This is the essence of Jesus - heavenly abundance!
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who gives me life - to the full, and for eternity! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such gifts...I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
