Welcome to our first official blog on www.ryanandmichelleblack.com! The theme for our page “Living your life – every day – to the full” comes from one of our favourite bible verses:
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
“To the full.” What does Jesus mean when he says he has come that we may have life, and have it to the full?
This is an English phrase, Jesus spoke Aramaic, and the New Testament was written in Greek, so how can we be sure exactly what he meant? There are many English translations of the bible, and contrary to what some will tell you, none are 100% perfect. Given we aren’t fluent in Greek or Hebrew, something we like to do when dissecting a bible passage is to look through different translations. This can really open up a verse and fill it with deeper meaning.
Let’s do that now with John 10:10.
The verse above comes from the New International Version:
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
The New King James Version renders it like this:
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
The Amplifed:
I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].
The Message:
I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
New Living Translation:
My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Living Bible:
My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
The Voice:
I came to give life with joy and abundance.
The Passion Translation:
But my desire is to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect–life in its fullness until you overflow!
Granted this is just a few, but check out this list.
Your life:
To the full/in all its fullness
More abundantly/in abundance/everything in abundance
Enjoyable
Overflowing/until we overflow
Real
Eternal
More
Better than we ever dreamed of
Rich
Satisfying
Joyful
More than we expect
Wow! Now when Jesus says he has come that you may have life, and that you may “have it to the full” you have an impressive and incredibly descriptive list. It’s what Jesus wants for your life.
Does this list describe your life?
Are you living your life to the full?
This year, it’s time to start seeing your dreams become reality. For some of you, it might even mean that it’s time to dream again. Sometimes, all this takes is a first step. God desires that we live our lives to the full. Don’t let another year slip by without pursuing the fullness he has for you.