“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.“
— John 10:10 KJV
Reflection on Today's Verse
Let’s break this down in a way that hits home. First off, that “thief”—sneaky, isn’t he? We often imagine some shady figure trying to pickpocket our joy or siphon off our peace like a Netflix account password. But it’s deeper than that. The thief here is anything or anyone that tries to diminish the life we’re meant to live. It could be fear, doubt, the pressures of the world, even that gnawing voice that tells you, “You’re not enough.” And let’s be real, that thief doesn’t play fair. He doesn’t wait for a bad day; he causes them.
But then comes Jesus with this wild declaration. Not only does He want to give us life, but life “to the full.” Now, let’s just pause. What even is life to the full? Is that like an overflowing cup of coffee on a Monday morning or the feeling you get when you realize you’ve finally paid off a credit card? Because that sounds amazing.
No, it’s even better. Jesus is talking about a life that’s so rich, so meaningful, you feel like you’ve tapped into something eternal. Not just survival, not just going through the motions. He’s talking about a life that’s bursting with purpose, filled with joy that doesn’t make sense on bad days, and overflowing with peace—even when your Wi-Fi cuts out during an important Zoom call (and we all know that’s a spiritual attack).
The problem is, we often settle for less. We get comfy in survival mode. You know, just getting by. But Jesus wants us to shift gears. He’s saying, “Hey, I’ve got something way better for you.” It’s like you’re driving a clunky old station wagon and He pulls up in a shiny sports car, hands you the keys, and says, “Why are you still driving that thing?”
It’s easy to miss the full life He’s offering when we’re distracted by all the noise, though. The thief is crafty—he’ll keep you busy chasing status, approval, or security in things that don’t last. But Jesus? He’s steady. He’s offering something eternal, something that won’t fade, and honestly, something way more exciting than the stuff we usually fill our lives with.
So, maybe the question we should be asking is, “Am I living that full life?” And if not, what thief do I need to kick out of my headspace so I can embrace what Jesus is offering?
Because let’s be real, the only thing we should be stealing is a couple more minutes of sleep on a Saturday. Leave the destruction to the thief. We’ve got better things to do, like living that full life Jesus promised.
Personal Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the promise of a full and abundant life. I confess that too often I settle for less, letting the thief steal my peace, my joy, and even my sense of purpose. I get caught up in worry, fear, and distractions that leave me feeling empty.
But You came to give me life—not just ordinary life, but life to the full. Help me to embrace that truth today. Teach me to trust You more, to release the things that hold me back, and to recognize when the thief is trying to steal what You’ve freely given.
Fill me with Your peace when anxiety creeps in. Flood my heart with joy, even on the tough days. And give me the strength to live fully in the purpose You’ve set before me. I want to experience the abundant life You offer—one filled with meaning, love, and a deep connection to You.
Guide my steps, Lord, and help me to live in the freedom You’ve promised. Thank You for being my source of true life.
In Your name, Amen.