Step 1: Opening and Introduction to the lesson – Personal Testimonies from last week’s study and Reflection: What is your most vivid memory as a child in a dark place (cave, tunnel, power black out)? What feelings do you associate with darkness?
Step 2: Hear – Read: The Validity of Jesus’ Testimony. John 8:12 – 30.
Step 3: Explore – Discover the Passage
- What is Jesus really claiming in verse 12? What is the promise? What does Jesus mean by light and darkness?
- With what does Jesus bolster his claim (see 5:31-40)? What does it matter that Jesus knows where he comes from (vv. 14, 21-23; see 7:41- 42)? What does the Pharisees’ question in verse 19 reveal about their relationship with the Father?
- What is at stake in this whole discussion (v. 24)? Why does everything hinge on who Jesus really is (v. 25 and who sent him (vv. 16, 18, 26, 29)? What does Jesus mean by each phrase in verse 28? How will this show people he is the Christ?
- What is the significance of verse 30 in light of the total misunderstanding of the Pharisees? How do the Pharisees exemplify darkness in this scene?
Step 4: Connect – Apply the Passage:
- How is following Jesus like following someone with a light through a dark place for you?
- How do people you know misunderstand Jesus? How do their lives exemplify darkness? How can you be a light bearer to them?
- In thinking about the moon, how can you reflect the light of God in your life? How can you be the light of the world today?
- How important is it to know your origin and your destination in the world today?
Step 5: Reflect: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
