Years ago, someone encouraged me to think of John 10:10 whenever I see 10:10 on a digital clock. That simple idea has stuck with me ever since. In this verse, Jesus draws a sharp contrast between the thief and Himself. The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy—his motives are rooted in selfishness. He takes what isn’t his, using others for his own gain, and when danger approaches, he runs. The thief’s path always leads to loss, emptiness, and death.
But Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is completely different. He doesn’t steal and kill, He gives and saves. He doesn’t run away; He stays. He lays down his own life for the sheep. His love is not driven by selfish gain but by selfless grace, not by what He can take but by what He wants to give. In his selfless love, we find security, purpose, and significance, which we could also call an abundant life.
On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we celebrate the love that moved the Shepherd to come for His sheep. Because of His great love, we have life—real, abundant, everlasting life.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” — John 10:10
Pastor Mike Bartusek
Pray
- Pray that those who attend our service today will have a meaningful encounter with God.
- Pray for our Christmas Eve services and for those attending.
- Pray for loved ones who are not walking with Jesus. Pray they will encounter Jesus in fresh and meaningful ways and will respond to His invitation to have life, and have it to the full.