Jesus, the light of the world

Jesus Christ, the Son of God: a study in the Gospel of John

John 8:12-30

Jesus – the light of the world

Jesus, who is the life-giving light of the world for those who believe in him, exposes those who don’t believe, as those who will die in their sin

1. “I Am the Light of the World” (v. 12)

What does Jesus mean by claiming to be the light of the world and why does he make this claim (Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 49:6; John 1:4-5, 9)? How will the world be judged since Jesus has come as the light (John 3:19-21)? How does Jesus describe a positive response to him as the light? What do Ephesians 5:8 and 1 John 1:5-9 say about how we should live in the light of Christ?

2. The Witness of the Father and Son (vv. 13–18)

How do the Pharisees try to invalidate his claim? How does Jesus invalidate their attempt to invalidate his claim?

3. “You Know neither Me nor My Father” (vv. 19–20)

How do Jesus’ words get to the heart of their unbelief? Why did they want to arrest him? Why couldn’t they arrest him?

4. “You Will Die in Your Sin” (v. 21)

What does Jesus mean when he says he is going away, and they will continue to seek him, and they will die in their sin? Is this life the only chance people have to avoid dying in their sins (Hebrews 9:27)? Must they believe in Jesus to avoid final judgment (John 12:47-48)?

5. “You Are from the World; I Am Not from This World” (v. 22–27)

Why do the Jews respond by saying he must mean he will kill himself? What does Jesus say is the reason they are responding in unbelief? What does he say they must believe if they are to avoid dying in their sins? Why do they reply with, “Who are you?” Why don’t they understand Jesus words of truth about the Father (John 8:46-47)?

6. “You Will Know That I Am” (vv. 28–30)

In v.28, is Jesus saying that when his enemies have “lifted him up” on the cross and after his resurrection they will be converted? If not, what does he mean? What is amazing about Jesus’ claim in v.29 (Isaiah 53:10)? Is it surprising that many would believe in him in light of his incredible claims and his conflict with the Pharisees? How can people avoid being overtaken by spiritual darkness and dying in their sins (John 12:35–36, 46)?