Life to the Full Includes Death

Erik preached on Jesus’s promise in John 10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Yet in this passage about abundant life, Jesus also prepares his followers for his own death, teaching them that the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. What does death have to do with abundant life? Here’s part of Erik’s answer:

Last week, we dedicated a baby, and one of the questions we asked the new parents was: “Will you raise your child to take up her cross and imitate Christ.” It’s such a strange thing, to wish a cross on this child. Part of me wants all that other stuff for her: health, wealth, relationships, achievement. But we know that Christ is the source of life. Thus, true life is found in following him to his cross so that we might join him in his resurrection…This is in fact a Christmas theme, though not one you’re likely to see in many advertisements or holiday cards. We sang “What Child is this?” this morning, which is about Mary holding her newborn child, but looking forward to his death: “Nails, spears shall pierce him through, the cross he bears for me, for you.” But that death meant life. And so it is that we find fullness of life not by building it up for ourselves but by laying it down for others. This is the narrow gate through which the good shepherd leads.