The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. ‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ NRSV

I love this verse. Always have. I’ve always found it strangely comforting that Jesus not only acknowledges that there is an enemy (here called “the theif”) and that his sole purpose is to make a mess of everything. This is, as far as I am concerned, the closest thing I have ever found to answer to the question, “why do bad things happen?”

Simply because the theif comes to kill and to steal and to destroy. 

That would sound like a fairly dark and pessimistic statement from Jesus, but he immediately contrasts the theif’s purpose with his own purpose – to give life and give it abundantly. 

As we journey through Lent may you know what it is to have life in abundance. May you draw close to the One who came that you might have life and have it abundantly.