This week will close out the series by inviting people to commit to neighboring and sharing the light of Christ with people immediately around them.
Key Texts: John 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16; 22:36-40
SERMON OUTLINE
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world.’” (John 8:12)
“You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16)
Jesus the Light of the World
Jesus’ People as the Light of the World
The Darkness that Gathers
The Light We Shine
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Have you ever experienced complete darkness or a loss of power that brought unsettling darkness? What did it feel like? How did you move toward the light?
- This weekend we conclude our series entitled “Will You Be My Neighbor?” Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word. Then continue with the study.
- In John 8:12, Jesus says: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” What do you think Jesus means by these words? You may want to read the context surrounding that passage for great clarity.
- In another part of His teaching, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says to His followers: “You are the light of the world.” Read Matthew 5:14-16 and consider what Jesus means by these words?
- How is it that Jesus says in one place that He is the light of the world and in another place that we are the light of the world? What do you think these two teachings say when placed together?
- Now, let’s return to the theme passage for this series. Read Matthew 22:36-40 aloud. How does the teaching on Jesus’ people being light relate to our love for God and love for neighbor?
- Now, consider these two questions:
- What is one way you could shine Jesus’ light through your love for God this week?
- What is one or two ways you could shine Jesus’ light through your love for your neighbor this week?
- To conclude, read John 1:5. Use it as a source of prayer for yourself, your small group, your church community, and your neighborhood.
- What is one way that God is speaking to you through this study. If you are on your own, write that down and pray about it. If you are with a group, discuss your answer to that question aloud before praying for one another about it.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize John 8:12 and Matthew 5:14 this week.
- Take some extra time this week to reflect on Jesus’ light shining into your life. Talk with someone about it or share some of your reflections on social media.
- Go on a walk through your “neighborhood” – whether an apartment building, retirement community, dorm floor, or residential neighborhood – and pray about how God would shine His light through you. Write down anything God brings to your mind in prayer and put that into practice in the coming days or weeks.
- Take time to get to know your neighbors, using the response card in the bulletin to get to know their names, some pertinent information about them, and also deeper things happening in their lives.