Light of the World

Robby Richard | Apr 23, 2023 | Watch in español

Study Guide

The more clearly Jesus claims to be God, the more tension escalates between him and the religious leaders. In this passage, Jesus reveals and offers himself as the light of the world—the only source of true life. All must decide if they will follow Jesus as he offers himself or despise him for disrupting their darkness.
Application

  1. As believers, we are called to “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7), which means we should follow Jesus wholeheartedly and single mindedly. What would this look like for you? What “false lights” tend to distract you (work, parenting, finances, politics, etc.)?

  2. We are also called to point others towards the light of Jesus. When was the last time you had a conversation with a non-believer about the gospel? What steps do you need to take to be more intentional in this area?

Key Points

  • As Jesus reveals himself as the light of the world and offers himself as the source of life, the tension with religious leaders escalates.

  • In defining himself as the light, Jesus clearly claims to be God’s presence in the world, bringing order out of chaos and pushing back the darkness of sin.

  • Jesus exposes our sin and offers a cure. And we must choose either to follow the light of Christ or despise him for disrupting our darkness.

  • Unless we believe Jesus is who he claims to be and accept him as he offers himself, then we will die in our sin, separated from God.

  • Jesus tells his audience that his death will also be his glorification, and it will be a moment of revelation for many. In offering himself up for us, he provides a path through death into eternal life if we accept him on his terms.

Other Scripture References

Genesis 15

Zachariah 14:6-7

Isaiah 9:2

1 John 1:5–7

Scripture: John 8:12-30