Rightly Dividing The Word (John 10:10)

Many of today’s false preachers, teachers, and prophets will misuse and twist the Word of God for their own benefit. Missional Evangelists for Jesus Christ are going to start fighting back by “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV) on some of the most used (and skewed) scripture verses. Our conclusions will be tested and checked in accordance with God’s Word, as well as verified through trusted Christian sources. Our hope is that you will become knowledgeable about the true meaning of these scriptures and be able to spot a false teacher from a mile away.

JOHN 10:10

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (NASB)

This is one of the most used scriptures in the modern “gospel” presentation. People will quickly say the first part, then emphasize the abundant life section. Many people take it to mean that Jesus is going to take away all your problems and give you all your desires. When we look at this verse, we need to use some common sense in our deduction and reasoning. Also remember that Jesus was talking in a parable, so we need to look at the whole parable to understand the meaning of what He was trying to convey. I won’t take the time to explain the entire parable because I want to focus on John 10:10 for the purpose of this blog.

Jesus starts off the parable by describing the thief. This is someone that tries to enter a location without using the proper means of entry. Jesus later mentions that “all who came before Me are thieves and robbers…” (John 10:8) and in verse 10 we learn why the thief is trying to enter. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” This is fairly self-explanatory in that the thief equals “bad guy.” A friend of the ministry explains, “The thieves and robbers are false teachers and false messiahs. Jesus is the only way to salvation.” The thieves and robbers are those that lead you away from the only true way, Jesus Christ. They want your money, your life, and your soul to wind up in Hell.

This section of the parable is a foreshadowing to the bold proclamation in John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Overall, the message of the parable seems to discuss a spiritual matter using natural terms… something Jesus did quite frequently.

The other half of this verse is where people start getting confused. “My purpose is to give them life…” makes no sense at first, because the sheep are already alive. If they were dead, there would be no need to protect them from thieves. If Jesus isn’t referring to the natural realm, then He must be talking spiritually. Did Jesus come to give us spiritual life? Yes! Jesus offers us eternal life in Heaven after we die. The rest of the verse says, “…and have it abundantly.” So, if He was talking spiritually about the life He gives us, we can safely make the logical conclusion that the “abundant” life was spiritual as well. Merriam-Webster defines abundant as “great plenty” and “amply supplied” or in other words, a whole lot of something. Would it be safe to say that eternal life can be used synonymously with “great plenty” life or “abundant” life?

In closing, this passage has nothing to do with the natural realm. The abundant life that is talked about here does not mean you will be given money, cars, houses, or other material items. It also does not mean that Jesus will take away all your problems. It simply tells us that we can receive eternal life through Jesus Christ, and Him alone. How does this work and why do we need eternal life?

Your sins (lying, stealing, lust, etc.) have put a fine on your heads that demands to be paid with blood. If your fine is not paid by the day you die, your punishment for your sins is an eternity in Hell. Your blood won’t work because it’s tainted by your sins. What can you do? Nothing! There is good news though; God loved you enough to provide the payment for your fine. Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, came to earth 2000 years ago. He was born of a virgin, and lived a life without any sin. His blood was perfect for paying your fine and He gave it freely when He was bruised, beaten, and crucified on the cross. Then Jesus rose from the dead 3 days later, forever defeating death and Hell. His blood paid your fine and you are free to go… if you accept this gift that He offers. To accept the gift, you must cry out for God to save you. Confess your sins and turn from them. Then place your trust in Jesus Christ and what He did on that cross to pay your fine. May God bless you “abundantly” today!