I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.

John 10:10

This is Jesus!  In this 10th chapter of John he is speaking to his disciples alone, confiding with them about the most important thing! LIFE, spiritual life! 

The words he spoke ring in our ears, to this day.  They are truth!  Jesus came so that we who believe may have life, to the full.  He is not referring to physical life, common to all people.  Jesus does not try to explain what this means, at this time, but they will understand well enough when the gift of life is in fact theirs, by faith in the finished work of Jesus.

This life is not natural life even though usual words are used.  It is life in the Spirit, a gift that is given to those who embrace Jesus.

This must have sounded a bit strange to the Disciples who heard these words of Jesus.  Jesus knew that his suffering, death and resurrection would make it all clear – events of the future.  Things were not at all clear to the Disciples at this time.   The day is coming for them, when all is clear and they will proclaim the Gospel that offers salvation to all, in all places at all times.  This is us!  At my age I find this comforting beyond thought.