Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 8:12-20), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [12] Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The big reference here is to the pillar of fire that led God’s people, Israel, through the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land (Exodus 13ff). Jesus is claiming to be God’s presence among his people—and not just the people of one nation, but from all nations of “the world.” Where is Jesus leading us? How does he lead us there? Are you interested in going where he’s leading? Why or why not? Do you believe he is who he says he is?

• What does it mean to “have the light of life”? Does this apply to every part of your life? What are some examples in your life of having the light of life because you follow Jesus? Where might you be stumbling around in the dark because you’re not following Jesus?

• Martin Luther said of these verses, “With this message Christ abolished all other doctrines.” That is to say, if Jesus Christ alone is “Light of Light, very God of very God” (Nicene Creed), then no other system of religion, no other set of beliefs, no other way of life will be able to get you where he’ll take you. Jesus is the only one who knows God and who can reveal God to us for our relationship with him. (Remember: anyone may come to Christ for a relationship with God!) How do you deal with the exclusive truth claims of Christianity? Have you had conversations with unbelieving friends about Jesus’ claims like this? Why don’t people like these kinds of statements? How can we talk about this?