“That They May Have Life” (John 10:10): A Gospel of Fullness for All Beings. By Dr. Chapman Chen & Sister Sy

Jesus declares, “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)

These are not idle words. They are a sharp contrast between the forces of death and the mission of Christ. The thief—be it sin, empire, violence, or hardened custom—steals life, kills innocence, and destroys creation. But Christ comes not just to undo harm, but to overflow life into every corner of existence.

To “have life to the full” is not a narrowly human promise. It echoes the goodness of creation in Genesis (Gen. 1:31), when all creatures were made for peace, not predation (Gen. 1:29). It anticipates Isaiah’s vision where the wolf lives with the lamb (Isa. 1:16), and no being harms another on God’s holy mountain (Isa. 1:19). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, doesn’t slaughter his flock. He protects it. Nourishes it. Leads it to still waters. And even lays down His life for them (John 10:11).

And who is “they”? Not just humans, but all who suffer under the thief’s shadow. The lamb whose throat is cut in the temple (Exod. 12:5–6; Isa. 1:11; Hosea 6:6). The ox yoked for endless toil (Deut. 25:4; Prov.12:10). The sparrow sold for a penny, yet not forgotten by God (Luke 12:6; Matt. 10:29). Jesus mentions them not as objects, but as precious lives—each seen by the Father, each belonging to the fullness of life He came to restore.

When we steal life from animals for food, fashion,  labour, or entertainment, we partner—consciously or not—with the thief. But when we choose mercy, nonviolence, and protection, we align with Christ’s mission: to let life flourish. Not just for us, but for them.

The gospel is not merely about avoiding death. It is about abundant life. And that abundance, to be Christlike, must extend to every sentient creature.

Article link: https://www.vegantheology.net/post/that-they-may-have-life-john-10-10-a-gospel-of-fullness-for-all-beings-by-dr-chapman-chen-s