Earlier in our study, we saw that the result of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross was our eternal life. We do not need to die and go to hell to suffer and pay for our sins throughout all eternity. Instead, Jesus' death saved us, and we who believe will live with Him in heaven throughout all eternity.
Today we want to examine the truth that not only are we given eternal life through Jesus' death, but we also receive abundant life.
An obscure singing group called "Mascott" wrote a song called Bluebirds in Heaven that voices the longing in the heart of each human being with these words: "I need more life. I need more love. I've waited so long, the things I've seen, oh, they cannot last..."
Yes, "I need more life..." is the cry of the human heart, and this need can only be met at the cross of Jesus Christ:
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10
Question 1. In John 10 Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd and his sheep, which has its fulfillment in Christ and His church. The "thief" analogy is a reference to the devil and his work. According to John 10:10, what does the devil come to do to us?
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Question 2. Please consider what it means to receive "abundant life" from Jesus and write your thoughts out here:
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Strong’s Dictionary gives the following for the definition of the word "abundantly":
From G4012 (in the sense of beyond); superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication excessive; adverb (with G1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence: - exceeding abundantly above, more abundantly, advantage, exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, vehement [-ly].
Friend, Jesus' purpose for coming, suffering, and dying on the cross, is that we might have a superabundant life, one that is superior in quality, more abundant, and beyond measure.
But how can we understand this concept of "life more abundant" when Christians face trials of many kinds (James 1:2), many tribulations (John 16:33, Revelation 1:9), persecution (2 Timothy 3:12), and are expected to die to our flesh daily (1 Corinthians 15:31)?
The answer is in the reality that the enjoyment of this "superabundant" life is not dependent upon outer circumstances or events, but rather upon our abiding in Jesus Christ (John 15). Tribulation, persecution, and even death can come, but our lives are hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). As we abide in Jesus during these times, we receive the needed life-giving nourishment from Him so that we may enjoy supernatural life amid these external difficulties.
There is a passage of Scripture that illustrates the reality of the abundant life that Jesus gives quite well, and it is Isaiah 35. Please read through this chapter and then answer the questions below:
“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, "Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you." Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7 the burning sand shall become a pool,
and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:1-10
Question 3. How is Isaiah 35 a description of the "abundant life" that Jesus Christ came to give us?
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Sandeep writes, "Almost every phrase has the spiritual equivalent in Christ for my life. O, where shall I start?! I would say that the wilderness that used to be my life has broken forth with streams of living water that bring my parched soul to life every day. Although I am a fool still in many spiritual matters, the Way of Holiness belongs to me, and I shall not go astray. Oh, this is the best description of the abundant life I have seen so far. Bless the Lord, O my soul!!"