LISTEN
NASB:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
NIV:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Observations:
As Jesus was teaching about his role as the good Shepherd, he juxtaposes the reason he came to earth, and the reason the devil comes to earth.
He characterizes the evil one as a thief. This thief wants to steal your eternal reward and relationship with God. This thief wants to kill your soul. And this thief wants to destroy your life.
But Christ came that we may not succumb to the evil intentions of the devil. He came that we may live, but not only just live, have life abundantly.
Takeaways:
While we don’t fear the devil, we need to recognize his intentions.
Recognize the evil one for who he is — a thief.
Recognize what the evil one intends to do — steal and kill and destroy.
Know that Jesus has come to wipe away evil and give us life to the full. In the face of an evil world, we live in that hope.
