John 8:12-20

Sermon Response

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

The Text: Read John 8:12-20

Jesus again teaches in the temple courts. His teaching begins with a huge declaration, “I AM the light of the world.” He is looking at the candelabra in the court yard that represented the provision and guidance of God, and while looking he says, “I am this light.” I am God provision for His people. I am the one who will guide them into new life. Those who believe in me will never have to walk in darkness and they will possess the light of life.

Jesus’ statement garners some huge pushback from the Pharisees who were sitting next door listening to Jesus. They claim that his statements are untrue because there is no other testimony to back them up. Jesus fires back saying that God himself substantiates his claims and that the Pharisees can’t understand this because they don’t know God, and they can’t know God because they don’t accept Jesus. It is a heated debate but once again Jesus slips away because his time had not yet come.

Discuss:

1. Jesus has now made two “I AM” statements? I am the bread of life. I am the light of the world. How are the two statements similar? How are they different? What picture do these statements paint of Jesus?

  1. Why is it so important to the Pharisees for Jesus’ statements to be validated by another testimony?

  2. What does it mean when the text says in verse 20 “Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.”?

Respond:

  1. After Jesus makes his “I AM” statement he gives two promises. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” How have you seen these two promises lived out in your life?

  2. Why are people so drawn to darkness? What makes the darkness so comfortable? Why would someone choose the darkness over the light?

  3. How are you currently bearing the light of Jesus? Are you pushing back darkness? Explain.

Prayer

God may we all be full of the light. May we seek the light and allow it to expose all our areas of darkness. Give us the strength to flee from the comforts of darkness and may the promises of your light take root in our lives and in the lives of others.

Pray specifically for people to whom you need to share the light.

 

Summit Church