LifeGroup Notes

OPEN

What is the brightest light you have ever seen? How did you feel in the presence of that bright light? What is the darkest dark that you have ever experienced? How did you feel when surrounded by darkness?

INTRODUCTION

What are some key points that stuck out to you in the video?

READ
Read John 8:12-20
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.” 14Jesus answered, “Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. 17In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. 18I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” 19They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Where is Jesus when he speaks the words of verse 12?

Is it significant that Jesus uses this as a backdrop for his announcement in verse 12?

What huge statement does Jesus specifically say in verse 12 about who he is?

How do the Pharisees (Jewish religious leaders) respond to Jesus after he announces that he is the light of the world?

DIVE DEEPER
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?

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

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

BIG IDEA
The purpose of the Gospel of John is that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name (John 20:31). Jesus is the light of the world, and as such has the authority to guide and direct your life. Allow your life to be so consumed by the light of Jesus so that you can reflect his light in the dark places of this world.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Since Jesus is the light of the world, how can you reflect his light as you live your life this week?

Will others come to believe in Jesus based on the way you live?