“I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly!” (John 10:10).

This is one of the favorite verses of the prosperity gospel preachers. The claim is that Jesus wants your life to be abundant. That is true. But, where people go wrong is thinking that the things that make life abundant are in this world. So that, our lives are abundant when we are healthy and wealthy by living our best lives now.

Jesus did not die on the cross and descend into hell just so we can be comfortable, wealthy, and healthy. If that’s why Jesus died on the cross, he should have instead been a doctor and an investment expert. Jesus died on the cross to transform sinners into sons and daughters of God. Jesus died on the cross so that we can be holy and acceptable to God, to shape and mold us into the image of Christ.

We are told:

• For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29)
• And all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The source and the location of what makes life abundant is not on this earth nor in this life now. Jesus is the source of all life. Jesus is the source of all abundance. Colossians 3:1-2 tells us – Since, then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

It is true that Jesus came that we might have the abundant life, AND he is the source of abundant life.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1).

That right there is one of the most misunderstood and misused Bible passages in all of scripture. Even people who are not believers know this verse and they know exactly when to use it. It’s when people feel like their choices, preferences, and lifestyles are being confronted.

Almost ever single time I have heard this verse quoted, it’s been misquoted. Let me explain. Let’s take a look at what Jesus does not mean and then look at what Jesus meant.

What Jesus did not mean:

• Jesus is not telling his disciples to stop making distinctions between what is right and wrong.
• Jesus is not saying don’t distinguish between good and evil.
• Jesus is not telling his followers to disregard the teachings and the commandments of God

If Jesus were saying those things that would be ludicrous! Jesus himself tells us, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17).

It is the responsibility of the disciple to “Present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

So what did Jesus mean? Jesus is talking about a blind judgmental spirit. Look at how Jesus expounds on our verse – “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye'” (Matthew 7:3-6).

We are all sinners in need of a Savior. We never put ourselves in a situation where we are better than or above another sinner. We are all sinners and as a fellow sinner, we can lead one another to the truths of God’s teachings and commandments. Not as one who is better, but a fellow sinner in need of a Savior.

Jesus is not telling us to cease making judgments about right and wrong. Jesus is telling his disciples to deal with sin as fellow sinners in need of a Savior.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said (Mark 1:17).

“Come, follow me,” was the invitation to the disciples. The first question I would have asked is, “Where?” But Jesus never tells them. The invitation to follow wasn’t to a location, but a person.

Jesus never elaborated where they were going. And that was precisely the point. Following Jesus is less about where, what will happen, how will we pay for the journey. Following Jesus is all about Who we are following.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus is the Savior and Master.
Jesus is our Creator and Sustainer.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
And this Jesus loves us, forgives us, sustains us, protects us.

When we know who Jesus is we won’t be demanding answers to our questions because we will have discovered Jesus is all the answer we need.