John 10:1-10 (NRSV)
Read John 10:1-10 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 10"Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. Verse 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. Verse 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Verse 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. Verse 5They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." Verse 6Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. Verse 7So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. Verse 8All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. Verse 9I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. Verse 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
Devotion
It's a promise that we need to proclaim not just in the church but throughout the world for all to hear; it is part of the great promise that we claim as followers of Jesus: "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
This is still a great promise for today. But we have some great work to do as the church for the sake of God's kingdom here and now. What is "abundant life?" What does it look like? What does that promise mean to you? Can you name it? Can we define it? Do others see it in you? Now just start making a mental list of friends, family, co-workers or neighbors whom you know who seem not to be living in the promise of this abundant life. Can you name what it is they are missing? Is it purpose? Is it relationship? I believe that if we can claim this promise of abundant life in a way that others see it in us, God will work through this to transform lives, transform communities and transform the world.
Prayer
Holy God, make the promise of abundant life visible in me for the sake of all who may see Christ in me. In Jesus' name. Amen.