Have It To The Full

Date: January 26, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

Bible Scripture Verse – John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Listen for God’s Voice

I ask for your wisdom and guidance as I read and reflect on your scripture today. Help me to understand the message that you have for me through this verse. I pray that you would use this scripture to bring me closer to you and to use it for your glory in my life. Amen

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

The book of John was written by the Apostle John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. The traditional view is that it was written around AD 85-90, although some scholars suggest a date range from AD 70-110.

The audience for the book of John is primarily non-Jewish individuals, and it is written to provide evidence that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. Jesus is the one who is speaking today’s scripture. John presents Jesus as the embodiment of God's love and the source of eternal life.

Study and Savor – Key Words

Thief: In this verse, the thief is used as a metaphor for Satan or the devil, who is portrayed as one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The thief is contrasted with Jesus, who comes to give life and give it to the full.

Kill and destroy: The words kill and destroy refer to the act of causing death and causing ruin or damage. In this verse, the thief is said to come to kill and destroy, which can be interpreted as the devil coming to cause spiritual death or separation from God and cause harm to something that is good and beneficial.

Life: The word life refers to the state of being alive, both physically and spiritually. In this verse, Jesus is said to have come to give life, which can be interpreted as him coming to give spiritual life or salvation to those who believe in him.

Full: The word full in this verse refers to the idea of completeness or abundance. Jesus is said to have come to give life to the full, which can be interpreted as him coming to give a complete and abundant life, one that is filled with all that is good and beneficial. This could mean an eternal life with God, full of love, peace, joy and blessings.

Summarize and Share

The words of Jesus in John 10:10 hold a powerful message for all of us, both in the time of the disciples and today. When Jesus spoke these words, the disciples would have understood the gravity of his message, as the image of a thief coming to steal, kill and destroy would have resonated with them. They would have been aware of the dangers and hardships of their time, and the constant threat of being robbed or killed.

But in contrast to the thief, Jesus presents himself as the one who comes to give life, and give it to the full. This message of hope and salvation would have been a source of comfort and reassurance for the disciples, as they put their faith in Jesus and followed him.

As we read these words today, we can also find comfort and reassurance in the fact that Jesus has come to give us life, and give it to the full. We may face our own difficulties and hardships in life, but we can trust in Jesus as our savior and rely on him to guide us through.

What does "life to the full" mean to us? It is not only the physical life but a spiritual one, one that is fulfilled, abundant, and full of blessings. We can strive to live our lives in a way that honors Jesus and reflects his love and grace.

Even in the midst of hardships, we can trust in Jesus as the one who comes to give us life and give it to the full. It is a message of hope and salvation that can guide and comfort us in our daily lives.

Cross Reference

Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes, which are a collection of sayings by Jesus, also discuss the idea of life and blessings. The passage states "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," which is similar to Jesus' statement in John 10:10 about coming to give life and give it to the full. Both passages speak about the blessings that come from following Jesus and the reward of eternal life.

John 14:6 - This verse states "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." This verse also speaks about Jesus being the source of life, and it further emphasizes that he is the only way to eternal life.

Romans 6:23 - This verse states "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse highlights the contrast between death and eternal life, and it also emphasizes that eternal life is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9 - This verse states "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." This verse emphasizes that eternal life is a gift that we receive through faith in Jesus and not something we can earn through our own efforts.