The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.

Picture for a moment the scene that Jesus describes: a gate, a flock, and a shepherd. Into this peaceful setting comes not a caretaker, but a thief—sly, unwelcome, seeking not the good of the sheep but their harm (John 10:10). This thief doesn’t pry open the door with the shepherd’s key; he climbs over the wall, looking to snatch what isn’t his. In the same way, false teachers try to charm and mislead God’s people, hoping to draw hearts away from Christ, just as Absalom stole the loyalty of Israel from David. These pretenders don’t nurture or free; instead, they aim to control, and sometimes even exploit those who listen (2 Timothy 2:17-18; Luke 20:47).

But the threat runs deeper still—the thief doesn’t come just to snatch, but also “to kill and to destroy.” Falsehood has a way of withering souls, unraveling faith, and wounding those who should be safe. Sometimes, those swept up by error find their lives darkened by spiritual confusion or even outward mistreatment and persecution, all under the mistaken belief that they are serving God (Romans 8:36; John 16:2).

The contrast could not be more beautiful: Jesus declares, “I have come that they may have life,”—not just survival, but deep, real, soul-thriving life. We are, by nature, dead in our sins, powerless to restore ourselves (Ephesians 2:1). Christ gives Himself completely, the perfect Shepherd laying down His life for the sheep, so that we might not only live now, but know the promise of life that never ends (John 6:51; Romans 6:23).

Even more, He offers “life more abundantly”—not merely what Adam once knew or even what angels experience, but a fullness of grace, peace, and hope that grows richer the closer we follow Him. Believers are invited not just to spiritual existence, but to abundance: assurance stronger than ever before, blessings that flow through adversity, and a future secured by Christ Himself (Colossians 3:3; Ephesians 1:3). So, let your heart rest in the gentle care of the Shepherd who guards, leads, and delights to give—now and forever.

Verses Referenced:

• Ephesians 1:3
• John 10:10
• 2 Timothy 2:17-18
• Luke 20:47
• Romans 8:36
• John 16:2
• Ephesians 2:1
• John 6:51
• Romans 6:23
• Colossians 3:3

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