Fullness of life. What does that really mean? We all want it. At least, as long as we get it based on our definition. But what does the Bible have to say about it? Better yet, what did Jesus mean when He offered it? That is where we're going in today's episode on John 10. Jesus is going to present Himself as the Good Shepherd. The shepherd/sheep analogy was well-understood by the typical audience to whom Jesus spoke. Theirs was an agrarian culture and they were well-acquainted with sheep and shepherds. But sometimes that comparison loses something in the translation for us as 21st-Century Americans. Few of us grew up on a farm, let alone around sheep. But the real point of Jesus' use of this analogy is to help us understand His role in our lives. He is the "good" shepherd and we are His sheep, those for whom He gave His life. He cares deeply for us and wants God's best for us. That's why He was willing to die in our place. And because He died, we have new life. And not just any kind of life. As He described it, we are to be enjoying abundant life. That doesn't mean a trouble-free, completely healthy, blue-skies-and-sunshine kind of life. So, what did He mean? And how are we supposed to know it when we see it? Let's find out.
