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During our reading of Chapter 8, evening has fallen; and another tradition unfolds with the lighting of the giant lamps in the Women’s Court. Made from the worn-out garments of the priests, the wicks bring much light to the Temple area; and the crowds gather to sing and dance, celebrating the remembrance of how God was with them in the wilderness—as a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. (See Numbers 9:15-23.)

Read John Chapter 8 and answer the questions below:

1. You can imagine the darkly light Temple coming to life, as the giant lamps are lit and the Temple area is filled with light. How fitting is it that in Verse 12, Jesus declares "I am the light of the world." What specifically is he telling them, and us; and why is this statement by Jesus important for us to comprehend? (See also John 8:23 and 1 John 1:6-7.)
2. As we look at Jesus’ teaching regarding the darkness of this world and the light that he brings into it, he specifically tells us that he is the light of the world (in Verse 12); and in Verse 23, he tells us that he is not of this world but from above. What else does he convey to us in Verses 31-32?
3. Again, Jesus has shown us another dimension of the light that he brings into the world; it brings with it truth—a truth that will set us free. If we understand that the light he brings is salvation through believing in him, we will see that our faith will not only bring light into our dark lives; it will also illuminate the world around us. As such, it will enable us see things more clearly, and it will bring truth to our lives that will set us free from this world of immorality and spiritual wickedness. Three times in this chapter Jesus uses the phrase "I tell you the truth." What does he teach us in each of the three pertinent passages? (See John 8:34-36, 51, and 58.)
4. So, as we observed above, Jesus declared that he was the light of the world and taught the crowd about the truth that would set them free; teaching with the three "truly" teachings about sin, death, and that he is God in the flesh (i.e., "I AM.") in verses 56-58. How did the crowd react when they heard that he was claiming that he was "I AM?" (See verse 59.)
5. Jesus referred to Abraham as having seen Jesus. In verse 56, it records that he stated, "Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad." Most would agree that Abraham had an unshakeable faith in God’s ability to keep his promises, and Abraham saw many evidences of this during his lifetime. He knew for certain that salvation would come from God, and he rejoiced in it. Is it also possible that Abraham physically saw the Lord during his lifetime? Read Genesis Chapter 18 and list all of the references regarding the Lord physically visiting Abraham.

This lesson was constructed a little differently than those for prior chapters, because it was important for us to focus on the reality of Jesus as the true Messiah, and the effect that Jesus will have on our lives when we accept him as our savior. Chapter 8 calls out the stark difference between the "Light of the world" and the dark world around us. No matter what Jesus did, no matter how he responded, many rejected him—desiring instead to stone him to death.

Our world today is no different. It will argue against any testimony that we may provide regarding the truth of Jesus. In doing this, it will use man’s logic, tradition, and worldly ways as a means to ignore the truth and reject Jesus. As we read through Chapter 8, we observed much of the world’s fight against Christ, mirroring what we saw happen in the Temple that last day of the Feast of Tabernacles. Their long awaited Messiah had come, but they rejected him out of their own desires, and based on their own world view; a dark world indeed.

So, let’s celebrate the light that Jesus brings into this world and praise him for his sacrifice on behalf of each of us. What a dark place this world would truly be if Jesus’ light did not shine in it until he returns.

Have a blessed week as you continue studying with us.

In Christ,

Wes

[2018]

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