“the thief” = is anyone who would prey upon the sheep. Ultimately it is satan.

1 Peter 5:8  Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

“Note the order of the verbs. Stealing is the purpose of the thief, but he will kill and destroy if necessary just like the modern bandit or gangster.” (RWP)

“the full” = perissos = a surplus, over and above any need.

There is a story told of a Roman soldier coming to Caesar to ask permission to commit suicide. Caesar looked at him and observed how wretched, miserable, and dispirited he was and said to the soldier, “Man, were you ever really alive?”

What is abundant life?

The purpose of Jesus becoming a man was:

• that we may have life
• that our life may be abundant

How do we receive abundant life?

• Become one of Jesus’ sheep (How? Go here for the answer.)
• Follow Jesus
• Receive His benefits

When we become one of His sheep, we must start acting like it.

Colossians 3:1-4  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.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.