I Am The Light Of The World
When we see Jesus as the only true light, we can experience His light and life as we follow Him.
KEY VERSES
John 8:12 (NASB)
12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”.
John 9:1-12 (NASB)
1 As Jesus passed by, He saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must carry out the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” 6 When He had said this, He spit on the ground, and made mud from the saliva, and applied the mud to his eyes, 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he left and washed, and came back seeing. 8 So the neighbors, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is this not the one who used to sit and beg?” 9 Others were saying, “This is he,” still others were saying, “No, but he is like him.” The man himself kept saying, “I am the one.” 10 So they were saying to him, “How then were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man who is called Jesus made mud, and spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’; so I went away and washed, and I received sight.” 12 And they said to him, “Where is He?” He *said, “I do not know.”
UNDERSTANDING
What preparations, if any, have you made in your house in order to see if the lights go out?
If you were challenged to live in total darkness for a prize of $100,000, how long do you think you would last? What would you miss seeing the most?
What does it mean that Jesus is “the light of the world”?
Is it enough to think of Jesus as one of many lights in the world? Explain.
Where else do people try to find light in the darkness of this world? Does it work? Why or why not?
If Jesus is the light of the world, what does that imply about the world? What does it imply about you?
What does light’s impact on darkness teach you about Jesus’ impact in a person’s life?
Read John 3:19-21. How do John’s words in this passage relate to Jesus’ teaching in John 8:12?
As Pastor Jeff pointed out, God inaugurated the Feast of Booths for Israel to celebrate the presence and power of God in their midst and the promise of God to send the Messiah who would deliver them from darkness. Still, they didn’t recognize Jesus as Messiah. According to this verse, what is the key to being able to recognize Jesus as the light of the world?
What does it look like in daily life to really follow Jesus, the light of the world?
In your own words, what choice is presented to each of us in this verse?
Pastor Jeff noted that light reveals, gives light, scatters darkness, and provides guidance. How have you seen these truths play out in your own relationship with the Lord? Where do you need to see these truths now?
How have you experienced one or more of these truths in your own life? Where in your life do you need to see His light dispel darkness now?
In other instances, we have seen Jesus perform miracles without being in physical contact with anyone or anything. Why do you think He chose to use the mud and touch the man’s eyes in this particular instance?
John communicated in the physical realm concurrently with the spiritual realm. With that in mind, what did this man born blind indicate about the world apart from Christ?
The man, once healed, was transformed so significantly that his neighbors struggled to recognize him. What are some ways you’ve noticed the light of Jesus transforming your friends and family? How might you encourage them with this?
APPLICATION
Would you describe your life as walking in the light or walking in the darkness? Why?
What role does biblical community play in helping you walk in the light of Christ?
If you’re walking in the light, what is something Jesus has revealed to you recently?
If you’re walking in darkness, what do you need to do about it?
Pastor Jeff made the following points of application in this week’s message: He is the God of the second chance. Jesus is both God and Savior. He is for everyone! He is the only way. His offer still stands. He calls you to live for Him. Which of these stands out to you the most? Why?
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?
Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you.
GIVING
Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.