The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:10-11)
Finding Purpose in Jesus – What His Life Means to Me
Jesus came to save the world from the wrath of God, giving His life to save those who killed Him. He knew before time began the cost that would have to be paid to redeem man. The eternal design of the Divine was for the Son of God to empty Himself and make Himself as the creation that He knew would reject Him, curse Him, torture Him, and kill Him. As Jesus’ ministry began, His life turned toward that fateful day outside Jerusalem, at the place of the skull, Golgotha. In the final year of His ministry, Jesus spoke often of what men would do to Him. He was fully aware of the horror that awaited Him.
Jesus told the Pharisees that He was the door of the sheep. Those who enter in by Him would be saved. The abundant life can only be found in Jesus Christ. Jesus said He was the good shepherd willing to give His life for the sheep. The decision to die was wholly that of Jesus. He had the power to lay it down, and He had the power to take it again. Jesus received this command from His Father. The abundant life comes from what Jesus was willing to do. All of His teachings brought a sinful world to the throne of God.
No one can fully know the abundant life until they begin to know who Jesus really is. He is not some mythical figure to be worshiped with a casual heart. The story of Jesus is redemption. His life is forgiveness. Everything Jesus said and did exemplified the glory of the Father. He could have called twelve legions of angels to defend Him, and the Father would have granted His request, but He chose to suffer and die. Finding purpose in Jesus means knowing the depths of His divine love for the world.
Jesus came to bring abundant life. That life can only be found by the few who accept the will of the Father. Having an abundant life cannot be experienced outside of Christ. If a man refuses to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and submit to His kingship in his life, he lives a ruined life. Not a meager life or a limited life, but a ruined life in the darkness of the divine judgment of eternal death. Through His life, Jesus offers an abundant life to those who come to Him. Knowing what Jesus has done will change the heart from rebellion to obedience.
What does the life of Jesus mean to me? How has Jesus changed my life? What can the world see in my life that lets them know I have purpose? When someone comes to the love of God through the life of Jesus, they find the abundant life. Everyone desires purpose in life. That purpose can never be found if a man refuses to make Jesus the center of his life. Sadly, most people will be lost because they think purpose in life is found in the trappings of this world. When death comes, they will realize how empty their lives have been. Jesus offers His life so that everyone can find abundance, joy, hope, and peace. Tell me the story of Jesus. Write on my heart every word. That is where the abundance comes.
