You don't have to walk in the dark any longer. The Light of all lights is here. It's a scary and often harmful thing to walk in the dark. You don't know where you are going or what lurks close by. You can lose (or never have) a sense of direction and live each day in fear and hesitation. But when light breaks through the darkness, it illuminates the room, pushes back darkness, and makes visible what you need to see. Jesus turns the lights on so you can see the life he wants for you.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Y - Yield
Sunday's Message Text: John 8
Bible Plan Reading - Week 39
START IT.
We are currently in a teaching series, I AM: Jesus In His Own Words, focused on meeting Jesus in the book of John. From Sunday's message in John 8:1-30 or the Meet Jesus Bible Reading Plan this week, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
SHARE IT.
In John 8:12, what does Jesus claim to be? Consider breaking down what he said into phrases.
Where was Jesus when he said this I AM statement? Why does it matter? (See John 7:2, 7:14, 8:20, Exodus 13:21-22, Leviticus 23:2)
What is Jesus saying when he uses the tiny word "the" in John 8:12? Is Jesus one of several options to believe in?
Who will have the "light of life" according to Jesus in John 8:12? What does the word "follow" mean? (Look at the entire chapter for helpful context)
From John 8:28-30, how will people know Jesus is the light of the world? How is Jesus a gospel-centered teacher? Why the emphasis on the gospel in the temple?
SHOW IT.
Do you think people connect with terms like "light" and "darkness" in their personal life? Is using the phrase "walking in darkness" a real experience?
What is Jesus claiming to be able to do that no one else can do? Has this been your experience with Jesus?
Do you see the significance of this moment when Jesus says this? Do you believe God's timing is always on time?
Based on reading John 8:1-30, seeing how people responded to this statement by Jesus, which response to Jesus is closest to you? (Liar, Lunatic, LORD)
If you say Jesus is LORD of your life, how has the light brought you out of darkness?
FINAL THOUGHT
According to Jesus, if you have "the light", that means you follow him. Someone said, "It's not enough to look at this light, and gaze upon it, but we must follow it, believe in it, walk in it" (Henry). Jesus goes on to say in John 8:31 "If you abide [remain] in my word, you are truly my disciples..." Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Is the Word of God [Bible] a significant part of your life?