Jesus Filled

What Did Jesus Do?

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10.10b

There are few things more tragic than a suicide note stating that the victim killed himself because there was no more reason to live. It is hard to imagine how someone can believe life is so devoid of meaning, so purposeless, that she would end it. Jesus looked upon the crowds with compassion because they were as sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9.36), but no sheep ever threw itself into the jaws of a wolf because life had lost its meaning; sheep may be notable for their ability to get themselves lost, but only man can be so lost as to lose his life at his own hand. That’s why Jesus came to be our Shepherd.

Few of us have never had at least one or two moments of doubt and questioning about our life’s meaning and purpose. And I am pretty sure that more than a handful of us have despaired that our life was so empty at one point or another, that we asked ourselves if there was any sense in it continuing. The sad truth is, as fallen sinners in a fallen world, our search for a reason to live can come up empty. But not once we have heard the Shepherd’s voice calling us, and calling us by name! Jesus, the Good Shepherd, brings life, life full and overflowing with meaning and purpose, to all His sheep. Any and all others who might claim to be “good” shepherds are ultimately proved false, their ultimate purpose only to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10.10a). Ever hear of a Christian suicide bomber? We never will, because bringing and blessing life, filling up lost sheep, was the mission of our Lord, and it is at the center of our faith.

Jesus, our “All in all” picks us up when life lets us down; He fills us with living water whenever life seems most desolate and parched. Our jobs may be unrewarding; our hobbies may grow boring; even our families can disappoint us, and our friends desert us. But Jesus promises never to leave or forsake any of His sheep (Hebrews 13.5); He is always there to fill us up when life and the world seem empty.

Some are frustrated with their work; others are tormented by their inability to find a job. Some are desperately lonely; others have family and friends who cause them much despair. Some are constrained by illness, injury, or disability; others abuse or neglect their bodies. Some are miserably poor; others are wealthy and miserable. All of us, regardless of our condition or station, come up empty sooner or later, and need our life to be filled up with that which is enduring, meaningful, and true. Thankfully, Jesus filled and Jesus fills life with meaning. What is this life so abundant that it is eternal? To know the true God, and Jesus Christ whom he sent. (John 17.3)

As for us, we sheep who have been filled are commissioned to go to lost and empty sheep and share with them the One who fills us. When you have abundant life there is plenty to give to others; and it all comes from Him who gave His life for us. Divinely, life is more abundant the more we give it to others. That’s what Jesus did.

S.D.G.

Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4