“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:10-13

There are many religions in this world, but none of their gods sacrificed themselves for the followers. They usually reign over the followers and force them with their power. Basically, ‘If you obey me, I will bless you. Otherwise, you will be cursed!’

However, Jesus Christ, our God, died for His people, you and me, and gave us the new life and the abundant life. Isaiah 53:4-5 tells us what Jesus did for us.

• Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering,
  Yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

As we can see, he took up our pain and suffering. On top of that, he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities. Were there any gods who had suffered and crushed for their followers? None. Only Jesus Christ went through all this suffering in order to give us peace and to heal our pain and suffering.

• We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.     Isaiah 53:6

Christ called himself as a good shepherd who knows his sheep’s issues and troubles, and guides us, who had gone astray, to have the abundant life. He proclaimed that he would suffer and die as a good shepherd to give us new life and abundant life. Praise the LORD!

Then, how could we have the abundant life now?

The abundant life is not limited to making lots of money, getting the best job, or having a lovely family. It is beyond that. It is a life style. When we have a thankful heart with faith in Christ and the assurance of the eternal life, we can overcome all the challenges in our daily life – health, finance, relationships, and everything.

Yes. Christ has given us everything. Now, we should carry them on in our daily life with the faith in Christ. If we don’t follow our Good Shepherd, we will lose our abundant life.

I pray that all of our congregation can enjoy the abundant life every day in Christ!!  Immanuel!!!