Jesus Brings Life, Not Death for Animals (John 10:10). Dr Chapman Chen

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."— John 10:10 (NIV)

John 10:10 presents one of the clearest contrasts in the teachings of Jesus: the contrast between those who bring death and destruction and the Messiah who brings abundant life.

1. The Greek Word for "Kill"

The Greek word translated "kill" in this verse is θύω (thuō). According to standard Greek lexicons, thuō does not merely mean to kill. It specifically carries the idea of slaughtering an animal for sacrifice. It is the same verb used elsewhere in the New Testament for butchering livestock and offering sacrificial victims.

For example:

• Matthew 22:4 speaks of fattened animals being "butchered" (tethymena).

• Luke 15:23 records the command concerning the prodigal son's celebration: "Bring the fattened calf and kill it" (thysate).

2. "Steal" and "Destroy"

Concerning the word "steal," the dairy industry takes milk intended for calves and separates calves from their mothers, while the egg industry appropriates eggs and crushes countless unwanted chicks. Concerning the word "destroy," humans devastate the habitats of wild animals through urban expansion, deforestation, and the vast land requirements of animal agriculture.

Thus, when Jesus declares that "the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy," the language evokes not merely human violence but also the world of animal abuse, slaughter, sacrifice, and the taking of innocent life.

3. Trillions of Innocent Creatures Destroyed by Humans Every Year

From the perspective of Vegan Theology, this observation is highly significant. Throughout history, animals have been stolen from their natural lives, slaughtered, and destroyed for food, sacrifice, entertainment, and profit. The modern animal-industrial complex continues this pattern on an unprecedented scale. Trillions of sentient creatures are bred into existence only to be confined, exploited, and killed.

Jesus places himself in direct opposition to such forces of destruction. He identifies himself as the Good Shepherd who protects the sheep rather than slaughtering them. His mission is not to take life but to give life.

4. The Pronoun "They"

The second half of the verse is equally important:

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

The pronoun "they" primarily refers to the sheep in the immediate context. Sheep are not merely symbols. They are living creatures under the care of the Shepherd. Jesus' concern extends to the vulnerable, the oppressed, and the defenceless.

A Vegan Theology reading therefore sees John 10:10 as expressing a profound divine preference for life over death, compassion over violence, and protection over exploitation. Christ does not come to increase suffering. He comes to liberate creation from suffering.

5. A Challenging Question for Christians

The verse challenges Christians to ask a simple question: if Christ came so that beings might have life abundantly, should his followers participate in systems that steal, kill, and destroy the lives of innocent animals?

The Good Shepherd lays down his life for others. (Jesus eventually died for liberating the animals from the Temple.) The thief takes the lives of others for himself. Between these two paths, John 10:10 calls every disciple to choose the way of life.

6. A Practical Expression of Christ's Life-Giving Mission

For those who seek to follow Jesus in spirit and truth, veganism may be understood as a practical expression of Christ's life-giving mission—a refusal to participate in unnecessary killing and a commitment to helping all God's creatures experience the abundant life that their Creator intended.

Full Text: https://www.vegantheology.net/post/jesus-brings-life-not-death-for-animals-john-10-10-dr-chapman-chen