"GETTING IT RIGHT: JOHN 10:10"

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

John 10:10

Does God want Christians to be wealthy? Did Jesus lay down His life that we may be successful at what we do and have our dream jobs, homes, cars, or vacation? Is there a connection between salvation and earthly riches?

Today’s verse is one of the most misinterpreted verses in Scripture. Prosperity preachers often present this Scripture to tell people what they want to hear, make them feel good about themselves, and invoke Jesus’ name as a ticket to good health and wealth.

The first half of John 10 is a continuation of Jesus' conversation with the Pharisees, which started in chapter 9, where Jesus healed a man born blind. The man was taken to the Pharisees, who investigated the miraculous healing but refused to acknowledge that Jesus was the healer.

At the outset of chapter 10, Jesus developed the shepherd/sheep illustration to make His point. His listeners would’ve understood His figure of speech because they were familiar with the image. Many of the OT heroes were shepherds, such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David. Arguably the most famous Psalm even uses this illustration as a theme (Psalm 23).

Jesus speaks about the gatekeeper and how the shepherd calls out his sheep, who will only follow their shepherd's call. They won't respond to the voice of a stranger. Jesus refers to Himself as the gate, a reference to the exclusivity of salvation by faith.

In verse 10, Jesus creates a powerful contrast between the thief and the true shepherd. In verse 11, Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. The "thief" He refers to are the religious leaders of Israel, proclaiming that they are not true shepherds nor did God approve of their ministry. They never really loved the people, but instead exploited and abused them. All they ever cared about was themselves (2 Peter 2:1-3). 

On the other hand, Jesus is the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep. His death brought life to believers, and this life is not limited but limitless, i.e., spiritual resources (Ephesians 1:3).

As we can see, there is not even a hint of financial or material abundance being discussed in this verse. Jesus is talking about Himself being the only way for man to be saved.

Jesus’ death was not meant for you to become wealthy in this life but to secure a place for you in heaven. Besides, why would He promote prosperity when He didn't even have His own earthly home (Matthew 8:20)? Jesus wants us to store up not earthly riches but treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).

You may or may not have your dream life in this world, but if you put your trust in Jesus, your eternity will be prosperous and abundant. Getting this verse right is a step in that direction.

Pursue the Saviour today!