Years ago my wife and I experienced a home break-in. The thieves stole several items, including cash, my DayTimer organizer, and a new pair of running shoes. I guess they wore them to sprint away.

Along with carting off stuff, the thieves killed my outlook on living in a safe neighborhood, and destroyed my peace of mind. I slept by the door with a baseball bat for weeks. But that’s what thieves do—they steal, kill and destroy.

Jesus contrasted his way versus that of the brigand: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Notice the progression. The false shepherd employs our flesh and the ways of the world to lead us down a toilet of theft, murder and destruction. Contrast that with Jesus, through whom I experience overflowing goodness. Truly, an abundant life trails the good shepherd.

Seems easy when Jesus lays it out, but I must take an active role. Passive indifference gets me no closer to the life Jesus promised. I need to get off the couch and follow the good shepherd, or remain forever at the mercy of the thief.

John 10 in Through the Bible in 2024

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