This message explores Jesus’ teaching and powerful declaration: “I am the light of the world.”
(John 8:12-58)
Sermon Outline
“Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12)
Jesus the light of creation
- “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3)
- “He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:2-3)
Jesus the light of wisdom
- “By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place.” (Proverbs 3:19)
- “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
- “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” (John 1:9)
Jesus the light of freedom
- “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.” (Exodus 13:21; cf. Leviticus 23:33-43)
- “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32; cf. 7:2, 10)
Jesus the light from God the Father
- “I stand with the Father, who sent me.” (John 8:16b)
- “I speak just what the Father has taught me.” (8:28)
- “My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.” (8:54)
- “Before Abraham was born, I am!” (8:58)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- Have you ever experienced total darkness or a solar eclipse? What was it like? How did it feel to reenter the light?
- This weekend we continue our preaching series, “Look for the Signs,” by exploring John 8:12-59. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak through His Word, and then, whether you’re on your own or with a group, read that passage aloud.
- On face value, what do you think Jesus means when He declares Himself to be the light of the world in verse 12?
- Background: The backdrop to Jesus’ teaching in John 7-8 is the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot (Leviticus 23:33-43; Deuteronomy 16:13-15). One aspect of this festival was the lighting of tall lamps in the Temple to remind people of God’s deliverance from Egyptian slavery accompanied by a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21-22).
- How might this symbolism play into what Jesus is saying about Himself in John 8?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is the light of the world?
- Following Jesus’ statement in 8:12 tensions arise related to Jesus’ authority. Jesus points to His relationship with His Father. How would you describe that relationship from what you read in verses 14-20?
- This escalates to deep conflict about the parentage of Jesus’ conversation partners. Who does Jesus say their parent is, and why does He say this (see verses 39-47)?
- The passage concludes with a very dramatic statement by Jesus in verse 58, which brings a dramatic response in verse 59. What do you think Jesus is saying here and why does it matter?
- What is one thing God is revealing to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Exploring Faith — John 8 offers an in-depth exploration of Jesus’ identity, culminating in a dramatic statement in verse 58. How does this passage help or confuse your understanding of Jesus?
- Growing in Faith — Today’s passage is one of Jesus’ “I AM” statements in John’s Gospel. This week study the other “I AM” statements to delve deeper into your journey with God: John 6:35; 8:12; 10:7; 10:11; 11:25; 14:6; and 15:1. How do these aspects of who Jesus is impact your relationship with Him?
- Centered in Faith — In the Sermon on the Mount, (Matthew 5:14-16) Jesus says we are the light of the world, reflecting His light to our world. Prayerfully consider starting a small group, triad, or one-on-one discipleship group this Fall with others who may have questions about the faith as a way to share the light with others. Reach out to staff if you need equipping on how to do this or what to do.