Jesus: The One True Light
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SERMON NOTES:
John 8:12-30
Jesus outrageously claims to be the source of all that is good and right. (12)
Jesus defends his claim against three rounds of accusations:
Round One: Your claim is false. Jesus reiterates the truth of His claim. (13-18)
Round Two: Your reasoning is weak. Jesus warns that His claim will be proven true. (19-24)
Round Three: You are misguided about your identity. Jesus proves his identity in both word and deed. (25-30)
Our faith in Jesus Christ is true and reasonable, able to withstand all criticism and questioning
study questions:
John 8:31-59
1. Read verses 31-36. To whom is Jesus speaking in these verses? What advice does Jesus give them in verses 31-32? How do these people respond in verse 33? What is the feel of their response (angry, confused, offended, happy…)? Why do you think they responded this way? According to verses 34-36, what is the truth? From what does the truth free us? How have you personally experienced the truth and freedom Jesus talks about in these verses?
2. Read verses 37-47. What is the message Jesus communicates in 37-38? What did the Jews and Jesus argue about in verses 39-41? What did Jesus say about the Jews in verses 42-47? How would you feel if Jesus said these things about you? What do we learn about the devil in verses 44-45? Based on these verses, how does Jesus see people who reject Him? How is the devil involved in the affairs of people both in biblical times and in today’s world (see also Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Peter 5:8)? How does this affect us as Christians? How should we respond to the reality of the Devil and demons?
3. Read verses 48-59. How did the people respond to Jesus’ accusation from verse 44 (see verses 48, 52-53)? How did the people respond to Jesus’ statement from verse 56? What point is Jesus making in verse 58? Why did the Jews respond so strongly in verse 59? It is obvious that these people struggled to accept what Jesus was teaching them. Based on these verses and your experience, why do you think people can struggle to accept the Good News of Jesus Christ?
4. So what? Is there a command to obey, a truth about God to embrace, an example to follow or a principle to apply that you have learned in your study of this passage? What is one specific thing you are taking away from this passage that applies to your life?