WEDNESDAY
Abundant life is found in the person of Jesus. It’s not in a philosophy or a theology, but in a person. This is why we refer to the Christian life rightfully so as a relationship with Jesus.
Matthew 11:28–30 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
In the gospel of John, Jesus notably makes eight “I am” statements.
- I am the bread of life (6:35)
- I am the light of the world (8:12)
- I am the gate for the sheep (10:7)
- I am the good shepherd (10:11)
- I am the resurrection and the life (11:25)
- I am the way the truth and the life (14:6)
- I am the true vine (15:1)
- I am (8:58)
Like bread sustains life. Jesus sustains and gives those whom God has chosen eternal life. Jesus is God’s gracious provision like the manna God gave the Israelites in the desert.
Jesus is the light of the world so we no longer walk in darkness. We can see the truth, right and wrong, through the light of Christ. We can know God because Jesus perfectly reveals him.
Only when we enter through Jesus can we be saved. There is no other way. When we are in Christ we can come in and go out. We can find spiritual safety and provision in Jesus. This is the context in which Jesus says he came to give life to the fullest. (10:10)
Jesus is not a hired hand but a good shepherd who leads by genuinely loving the sheep and providing for them. He doesn’t run at the threat of a wolf. Instead he lays his life down for the sheep. The flock, all of Jesus’ followers, are united around following him as our shepherd and leader.
Eternal life is only found in Jesus. He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. So those who are in Christ experience that same resurrection life. Now in part. When he returns, in full.
No one comes to the Father but through Jesus. If we know Jesus we know the Father. Jesus is the source of truth. We can know what is true, the truth to be believed and the way to live in accord with creation because Jesus has revealed it.
He is our source for spiritual nourishment. We cannot bear fruit (do anything in the spiritual life) apart from Jesus. We cannot do anything apart from Jesus in the kingdom of God.
Jesus is God in flesh, the second person of the Trinity.
These are some pretty bold statements. As I mentioned yesterday, in a world where we are constantly promised abundant life from other sources, we must be steadfast in our commitment to find it only in Jesus.
Reflection
Confess where you seek abundant life in other sources apart from Jesus. How have you attempted to maybe define abundant life apart from Jesus? How have you attempted to gain abundant life apart from Jesus? Return to him, the good shepherd and overseer of your soul. (1 Pet. 2:25)