In John 10:10, Jesus says, "I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly." ✨ But what does that actually mean? 🤔

If life is supposed to be abundant, why does it sometimes feel so hard? 😔

Jesus doesn’t ignore the fact that there’s evil in the world. 💔 In the same verse, He warns about thieves who come to steal, kill, and destroy. 🏴‍☠️

But He also promises that He is the Good Shepherd, 🐑💖 the one who lays down His life for His sheep — that’s you and me. 🙌

So what does abundant life look like? 🤷‍♂️ It’s not about having an easy, problem-free existence. 🚫 Jesus never promised that.

Instead, abundant life means that even when you face struggles, pain, and doubts, ⛰️ you are never alone. 🤝 You belong to Him. 💙

Your life is so secure in Jesus that nothing — not sin, not suffering, not even death — can take it away. ✝️🔒

The church isn’t perfect; it’s full of sinners, hypocrites, and yes, even thieves and robbers. 😬⛪ But that doesn’t mean Jesus has abandoned it.

In fact, the presence of opposition only confirms that we are in the right place. 🎯🔥

The Good Shepherd is still here, speaking to us, 📖 carrying us when we fall, 🤗 and feeding us with His grace. 🍞

Abundant life isn’t about worldly success. 💰🚗🏡 It’s about knowing that Jesus died and rose for you. ✝️🌅

It’s about hope that can’t be stolen and a love that never runs out. 💛✨

No matter how dark things seem, 🌑 the Good Shepherd hasn’t left. ❤️

He’s right here, offering you life that even death can’t take away. 🎉

That’s real abundance. 🙌💖

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

What Did Jesus REALLY Mean by ‘Abundant Life’?