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{I AM} #3

 “I AM [the Light] 

John 8:12-30_ 

 
Years ago, a few of us decided to walk through Netherton tunnel, with just the aid of our torches on our phones. It started off absolutely fine. There was a decent pathway, a sturdy handrail, and plenty of light coming in from behind us through the opening of the tunnel. However, about half-way through, the handrail disappeared, the path got decidedly worse, there was no light coming in from behind us (and we weren’t far enough along to see any light in front of us), and those mobile phone torches? Absolutely rubbish! We did finally make it through to the other side, but we’ve never done it again since! 

 

[Discussion-starter question] What is you most vivid memory involving a dark place? 
 

 

Jesus was not afraid to defend the truth even in the face of his enemies. In this passage Jesus makes a series of claims that his opponents try to challenge. Jesus’ response to their opposition leads, each time, to a new claim about Jesus’ power or origin... 

 
[Read John 8:12-30] 

 

What does it feel like to walk in darkness? 
 

 
How have you experienced following Jesus as being like following a light through a dark place? 
 

 

Biblical law required that a person’s testimony had to be verified by the testimony of others (see Deuteronomy 19:15, for example). The religious teachers try to use that requirement to challenge Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world (verse 13).  
In verses 14-18, how does Jesus answer their challenge? 
 

 

Why do you believe the testimony of Jesus that he came from the Father? 

 

What does the Pharisee’s misunderstanding, in verse 19, reveal about their view of Jesus? 
 

 

In verse 24, Jesus says, “If you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.” How does our contemporary culture respond to that kind of claim? 
 

 

Why would Jesus’ opponents only realise who he was when they had “lifted up the Son of Man” (verses 27-28)? 
 

 

What is your testimony about Jesus to the people you work with or spend time with? 

What would they say about the validity of your testimony? 
 

 

In verse 29, Jesus said, “I always do what pleases [the Father]”. 
Should that be a goal in your life? 
Explain why or why not. 
 
 

 

How can you rely on Jesus as your “light” this week? 

What can you expect, and how will you respond to his light? 

 

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