Speaking as the Good Shepherd, Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
A peculiar blessing of living with a terminal disease is that I know that the full, abundant life Jesus gives does not mean you are always ‘healthy, wealthy, and wise.’ It was often that Jesus spoke life to those who were suffering (like Mary and Martha who had just lost their brother Lazarus). “I am the resurrection and the life… Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
Even today, Jesus speaks life and calls His little ones to believe in Him and follow Him. “Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and now has come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son also to have life in Himself.” (John 5:25-26)
Life comes from the Spirit and Jesus teaches that His words are full of Spirit and life. “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you – they are full of Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” (John 6:63-64)
As we listen and believe and follow, we find ourselves in the safest arms. “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them and they follow Me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28)
So whether we are in a time of plenty or scarcity; whether our family is healthy and strong or struggling with sickness or disability; whether our relationships with others are thriving or rocky… Jesus is life.
The picture of a mother or father with child (or in this case a grandfather with grandchild) points to the abundant life that Jesus knows God intends. Susan keeps Wilkes three days a week as Emma and Taylor are working. When I step in the house after getting home from school, the ten-month-old can barely contain his excitement. He swings his arms and kicks his legs and smiles as he hears my voice and sees me approach. I don’t know who has more joy… the baby or me!
We are the little ones. We can have unbounded joy in the Father’s love. And we can know He finds great joy in us.
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. For You granted Him authority over all people that He might give eternal life to all those You have given Him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” John 17:2-3