SESSION 2 OUR NEED FOR DIRECTION The Point Jesus is the true Light who reveals where we should go. The Bible Meets Life We all desire direction and purpose. We want clear understanding about big life decisions and issues. When we find ourselves in the dark, we begin to realize that we are small, fearful creatures who struggle to find our way. Yet Jesus can overcome our fears and gives us confidence to move forward with Him. Jesus is always with us, no matter how dark life may seem. And He does more than turn on the light. He is the Light of the world. The Passage John 8:12-19 16 SESSION 2
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? John 8:12-19 Then Jesus spoke to them again: I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life. 12 So the Pharisees said to Him, You are testifying about Yourself. Your testimony is not valid. 13 Even if I testify about Myself, Jesus replied, My testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and where I m going. But you don t know where I come from or where I m going. 14 15 You judge by human standards. I judge no one. And if I do judge, My judgment is true, because I am not alone, but I and the Father who sent Me judge together. The Setting 16 17 Even in your law it is written that the witness of two men is valid. I am the One who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me. 18 Then they asked Him, Where is Your Father? You know neither Me nor My Father, Jesus answered. If you knew Me, you would also know My Father. 19 Early excitement over Jesus and His miraculous works had begun to wane. His teachings were challenging people s beliefs, and many ceased to be enamored with Him as He clarified who He was and what He had come to do. Included in His description of His character and nature was the fact that He is the Light of the world. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 17
ENGAGE (15 MINUTES) GET INTO THE STUDY ENGAGE: Begin the session with one or more of the Engage Options on the next page. (This is optional. If you d rather skip the Engage Options, just begin with the first discussion question.) DISCUSS: Lead students to discuss, What s the darkest, scariest place you ve ever visited? SAY: We all long for direction and purpose for clear understanding about important life decisions and issues. We are finite, fearful beings who struggle to find our way. Jesus overcomes our fears and gives us confidence to move forward with Him. As we ll see in John 8, Jesus is always with us, no matter how dark life may seem. Jesus is the Light of the world. ITEM 3 Leader Pack: Consider showing students the John 8:12 poster at this time. GUIDE: Call attention to the The Point. Jesus is the true Light who reveals where we should go. Explain that this is key to keep in mind throughout the session. READ: Invite volunteers to take turns reading the following (p.16): Late one Saturday night, my five-year-old son accompanied me on a quick trip to our church. It was pitch black outside as well as inside the building. The light switches were across the foyer from the entry. As we shuffled along in the dark, moving toward the switches, someone touched my hand. I screamed like a little girl. My son squeezed my hand harder and said, Don t worry, Daddy, it s me. What a relief. When you are surrounded by darkness, it s good to know someone is with you. It s even better to have someone turn on the lights. We all desire direction and purpose. We want clear understanding about big life decisions and issues. When we find ourselves in the dark, we begin to realize that we are small, fearful creatures who struggle to find our way. Yet Jesus can overcome our fears and gives us confidence to move forward with Him. SAY: Jesus is always with us, no matter how dark life may seem. And He does more than turn on the light. He is the Light of the world. 18 SESSION 2
Engage Options YY Lead with Action Print off a few road sign images from the Internet, and place them on the walls around the room. Set the signs up in a strategic way for students to follow. As students enter, guide them to follow the road signs as they see them. As they follow the signs, point out which students are following the signs well. As students finish the activity and head to their seats, say, Why did you choose to follow or to disobey the road signs? Why are road signs important? At times, it can be tempting to go your own way or find a shortcut, but that is not always the best way. YY Lead with Atmosphere Place candles all around the room, but do not light them. Keep the room completely dark. As students enter, begin to light the candles until the room is completely illuminated by this natural light. Say, All it takes is one candle to bring light to a dark room. But when multiple candles are lit, the room becomes brighter and brighter. Jesus came into a dark world to provide light. As He revealed His light, He shared it with others and that light has been shared with us. What would the world look like if we walked in Jesus light and shared it with others? OPTION: Turn out the lights and hand each student a flashlight. Instruct them to keep their lights off. Then, guide them to turn their lights, one by one, until the room is completely lit up. Say, All it takes is one flashlight to bring light to a dark room. But when multiple lights are on, the room becomes brighter and brighter. Jesus came into a dark world to provide light. What would the world look like if we walked in Jesus light and shared it with others? YY Lead with Media Pull up directions on Google Maps of the schools in your community. Show students how to get from Point A (one of the schools) to Point B (your church). Point out the importance of getting correct directions to a location. Say, You can prepare yourself to give others the right direction when you fully study God s Word. His Word gives us the direction we need to be lights to the world, as He has called us to be. NOTE: Always make sure you preview any clip you show students and ensure that it is appropriate for your church and ministry. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 19
IMPART (10 MINUTES) STUDY THE BIBLE The Point: Jesus is the true Light who reveals where we should go. Then Jesus spoke to them again: I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life. JOHN 8:12 JOHN 8:12 READ: Direct a volunteer to read John 8:12. DISCUSS: Ask students, Where do you see darkness in today s world? SAY: The stage was set for Jesus as the people slowly made their way out of dark homes and into the warmth of the morning sunlight. Jesus didn t claim to provide light to the world, He declared Himself to be the light of the world. READ: Enlist a few volunteers to read the following (p.18): The symbolism of light is very important in the Bible. Light is used as a reference for salvation in the Old and New Testaments (Ps. 27:1; 1 John 1:7). When Jesus taught that He was the Light of the world, He was stating that He is the only source for salvation. The Bible also uses light to symbolize God s providing direction. This light was being celebrated at the Festival of Tabernacles as the people remembered how God had led His people by a pillar of fire at night during their wilderness wanderings (Ex. 13:21-22). In a time before electricity, when light was more difficult to create and more valuable to maintain, Jesus declared Himself to be light. Jesus identified Himself as the only source for a fundamental need among humanity. SUMMARIZE: Read or summarize the following: Jesus followed His statement with a promise. He promised that anyone who followed Him would never walk in the darkness but would have the light of life. We can become fascinated with other things that seem to be guiding lights worldly wisdom, social media, the opinions of others. Those sources might get our attention, but ultimately they lead us back into darkness and frustration. Trust Jesus as the Light your Savior and Guide. 20 SESSION 2
Commentary JOHN 8:12 The Feast of Tabernacles was a fall Jewish festival commemorating the wilderness wandering of the Israelites (also called Festival of Booths or Ingathering ). The feast began with a cessation of regular activities. Temporary shelters were built for the people to occupy during the festival (Lev. 23:39 43). Celebrants reflected on divine blessings during the year and the bounty of harvest. Another feature of the Feast of Tabernacles was a dramatic ceremony of lights. Four great lamps were perched high in the temple courts tall enough to rise above the temple walls. The lamps were filled with many gallons of oil. Priests would light the cloth wicks in the lamps. The tremendous light generated from these huge golden lamps and emanating from the temple complex out to the city was said to light up all the courtyards of Jerusalem. Celebrants would dance beneath the lamps carrying flaming torches and singing songs. Levites standing on the fifteen steps leading down from the Court of Israel to the Court of the Women played harps, lyres, cymbals, trumpets, and other musical instruments. [Verse 12] Jesus once again showed up in the temple to teach during the Festival of Tabernacles. During His talk, He gave another momentous I am saying. Jesus declared, I am the light of the world. Jesus made His great declaration of being the Light of the world in the context of this Festival of Tabernacles with its dramatic light ceremony. Jesus seems to have been claiming dramatically that He could light up not only all of Jerusalem, like the great Tabernacle s candelabras in the court of the temple, but the whole world. In writing about Jesus proclamation, John brought to powerful consummation the light theme he established in the prologue (John 1:4-9). TIP: Make it a point this week to show up at a school or sporting event for a student. Connecting outside of group time will develop deeper relationships. Those who follow Jesus will have the light of life. The psalmist said that walking before God was walking in the light of life (Ps. 56:13). Those accustomed to electricity and lights in our homes and cities can have little appreciation for the power of this image of the light of life. Little do we recognize that we have developed the very expression nightlife because we now have light in the night. However, let a disaster strike, such as a tornado or hurricane, and the deep darkness into which we instantly are plunged can remind us of the days before the industrial revolution. Farmers, too, are well acquainted with the power of sunshine for the life of their crops. Jesus as Light is the power of life. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 21
IMPART (10 MINUTES) STUDY THE BIBLE The Point: Jesus is the true Light who reveals where we should go. So the Pharisees said to Him, You are testifying about Yourself. Your testimony is not valid. Even if I testify about Myself, Jesus replied, My testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and where I m going. But you don t know where I come from or where I m going. You judge by human standards. I judge no one. JOHN 8:13-15 JOHN 8:13-15 DISCUSS: Ask students the following question: What are some reasons people give today for rejecting God s Word as truth? READ: Read John 8:13-15 to the group. SAY: The Pharisees immediately accused Jesus of violating the law because He had no witnesses. Jesus didn t disagree that a valid testimony required support (Deut. 17:6; 19:15), so He produced other witnesses to back up His statement. The Pharisees refused to acknowledge Jesus as anything but a fake. They were more worried about proving their point than knowing the truth. READ: Guide a student to read the following for the group (p.19): Sometimes, it can be tempting for people to define their own truth, even when it clearly contradicts Scripture. These people trust their own reason, the opinions of others, or education rather than God s Word. These people struggle with pride, and they are more worried about proving their point than finding God s truth. Christ s testimony was true, so He spoke about His origin and destination as proof that He was God. He had come from His Father and would soon return to heaven. Still, the Pharisees did not know or accept the facts. They refused to acknowledge the obvious. Why? Because Jesus coming from and returning to God did not fit into their religious system, so they rejected Him. The Pharisees had a human-centered world view. Jesus said that they judged by human standards. They started with themselves and incorporated God into their lives wherever they could. We must start with Christ as the center of our lives and not simply try and fit Him in where He is convenient. We need the light of Christ at the center of our lives, so that we can live in the light of truth. DO: Direct Students to complete the following question: Have you ever been in a situation where your definition of truth and God s definition of truth were different? What did God teach you in that situation? Take time to discuss answers as a group. 22 SESSION 2
Commentary JOHN 8:13-15 [Verse 13] In response to Jesus proclamations regarding Himself, the Pharisees accused Him of unsubstantiated testimony, which the law did not allow. Hence, they insisted to Him that His testimony was not valid. The law did demand multiple witnesses for serious cases (Num. 35:30; Deut. 17:6; 19:15), which later Jewish tradition extended to other cases as well. The requirement for a matter to be verified by more than one witness prevented a single, disgruntled individual from being able to create legal problems for another. We see this law in effect during the Sanhedrin trial of Jesus as the religious leaders produced many witness against Jesus, but the testimonies of the various false witnesses did not agree with one another (Mark 14:55-59). Jesus opponents may have been trying to throw His own words back at Him. Earlier Jesus had said that if He testified about Himself, then His testimony was not valid (John 5:31). Even then, however, Jesus had pointed out that His words about Himself were corroborated by His mighty works, the testimony of John the Baptist, and that of the Father Himself. His words had not stood by themselves. [Verse 14] Jesus responded to the present charge in a manner consistent with His earlier assertion that the Father bore witness to the validity of His words. Jesus answer is true but could not be understood without faith in Him. Jesus asserted, I know where I came from, that is, from heaven. Therefore, He has the heavenly Father s testimony. Such testimony would de facto both fulfill and trump the requirement of the law or tradition for multiple witnesses. However, Jesus immediately acknowledged that this answer would not satisfy His opponents, since they did not believe in Him. Since these religious leaders refused to recognize and acknowledge Jesus identity as the Son of God, the Messiah, they likewise failed to understand that He had come from God and would be returning to God. Their blinded eyes could not see the Father s testimony in the life and ministry of Jesus, so they perceived Him to be acting and speaking on His own behalf without any supporting evidence. TIP: If students know about some of the topics, such as the Pharisees, let them share with the group. Encourage students to be willing to share what they know. [Verse 15] Not believing in Jesus is clear evidence that His opponents were judging by human standards. Jesus would not play that game. If human standards were the rules by which the Pharisees wished to play, rather than the righteous standards of God, Jesus would abstain. His role at this time in history was not to be a judge but to be a light. Jesus had already pointed out that God had not sent Him to condemn the world but to save it. But, tellingly, He had also stressed that the one who would not believe in Him was condemned already (3:17-18). BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 23
IMPART (10 MINUTES) STUDY THE BIBLE The Point: Jesus is the true Light who reveals where we should go. And if I do judge, My judgment is true, because I am not alone, but I and the Father who sent Me judge together. Even in your law it is written that the witness of two men is valid. I am the One who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me. Then they asked Him, Where is Your Father? You know neither Me nor My Father, Jesus answered. If you knew Me, you would also know My Father. JOHN 8:16-19 JOHN 8:16-19 READ: Direct a student to read John 8:16-19. DISCUSS: Lead students to discuss the following question, What decisions do we have to make so that we can live in the light of truth and not in darkness? GUIDE: Walk students through the following sections of their book (p.20): The Pharisees were judgmental in all the wrong ways. Thankfully, Jesus does not judge them by their own harsh standards. Jesus ministry on earth was to bring salvation for all people, not to bring condemnation (John 3:17). We re already condemned by our sin against God s Law. Jesus is the light that overcomes the darkness of sin already at work in us. He has authority over darkness because of the Father. Jesus used the Pharisee s ultimate authority, the law, to prove His own authority. The Old Testament law taught that at least two credible witnesses were needed to determine guilt in legal proceedings (Deut. 17:6; 19:15). Jesus proved His teaching was true based on the testimony of two witnesses Himself and His Father. READ: Direct a few students to read the following: He ended the debate with a clear rebuke by saying that the Pharisees knew neither Him nor His Father. His words would have stunned the Pharisees who flaunted themselves as everyone s spiritual standard. They claimed to know more about God than anyone, but Jesus exposed their claims about God as false. Don t make the same mistake. Jesus is the Light of truth, and God the Father is His supporting witness. Trying to live on our terms keeps us confused in darkness because our sin blinds us from birth. Christ came to bring salvation and direction by the light of truth. It s time to stop doing things your way in darkness, and live in the light of truth. DO: Invite students to complete the Action Point. 24 SESSION 2
Commentary JOHN 8:16-19 [Verses 16] Jesus had previously stated that He did not judge anyone. The day would come, however, when that would change. And when Jesus does judge, His judgment, in contrast to that of His opponents, will be true. How so? What makes His judgment different from that of the religious leaders? The truth is here: because I am not alone but I and the Father who sent Me judge together. Jesus claimed a special relationship with God (see 16:32). This special relationship changed the equation. Just as His testimony was not unsupported as the Pharisees had argued, so His judgment will not be in isolation, either. As the Father has willed, so Jesus has done and will do. [Verses 17-18] Jesus then offered a direct challenge to the faith of the Pharisees with the words, in your law. The pronoun choice catches our attention your law, not our law or the law. The expression your law could be read as the law of Moses itself, which would sound like a rejection of the law of Moses. That seems highly unlikely, given emphases in other Gospels and New Testament writers. Another possibility could be an allusion to the oral law of the Pharisees that elevated some traditions to the level of authority of the law of Moses itself. Thus, your law could be either the law of Moses as mishandled by the Pharisees or their own special oral traditions considered at the same level as the law of Moses. TIP: Lead students to share how they would respond in similar situations. This will help them better apply the study to their lives. Whatever the precise meaning, Jesus was challenging the Pharisees understanding of Moses teachings. He acknowledged the law s demand for two witnesses, but He then claimed that He was indeed presenting two witnesses. Validity established; case closed. [Verse 19] Jesus opponents, however, responded with the retort, Where is Your Father? To deny knowing someone s father in an honor/shame society could be heard in certain situations as a slanderous charge of illegitimacy. Another way to understand the question would be that they were thinking in natural terms of an earthly father and were ready to go look for this fellow. They never would be successful if they attempted to mount such a search for His real Father, because Jesus actual Father would not be found in any place they would look. Jesus made the bold charge that they were clueless about His true paternity and residence. He then spoke in another of John s great ironies. If they really knew God, they would see God in Jesus; conversely, if they really saw Jesus, they would know God. Jesus is the Light who reveals the way we should go. Some people, however, can be standing right in front of Jesus and still stumble in darkness. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 25
IMPACT (10 MINUTES) APPLY IT TIP: Remember to spend adequate time on this section. If students cannot apply God s Word, they cannot effectively reach the world around them for Christ. SAY: What is God leading you to do as a result of this study? YY Find: Pray and search your heart for anything that keeps you in darkness (social media, friends, TV, apps, etc.). Once you find that dark area in your heart, eliminate it. YY Obey: After you identify the darkness in your life, spend time in God s Word and deal with it. This can be tough at first, so talk with your group leader or student pastor to see what God s Word says and apply that truth to your life. YY Study: Read a book on a Christian worldview to see how God s Word brings light to darkness. Try one of these books: YY The Case for Christ, Student Edition by Lee Strobel YY Onward: Engaging the Culture without Losing the Gospel by Dr. Russell Moore YY Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God, Student Edition by Henry Blackaby and Claude V. King GUIDE: Lead Students to consider how the need to respond to what they have learned in this study. SAY: Which of these responses do you need to focus on this week? WRAP UP PRAY: Ask God to shine the light of truth in students hearts this week. Pray that He would make students receptive to the light of His Word, exposing and freeing them from darkness. ASK: Ask each student how they plan on living for Christ this week. GUIDE: Encourage students to use the Daily Bible Reading plan this week. Help develop an accountability plan for each student. For free online training on how to lead a group visit MinistryGrid.com/web/BibleStudiesForLife 26 SESSION 2
To find the One Conversation for all ages, visit www.biblestudiesforlife.com. LEADER LIVE IT OUT Before the session, challenge yourself to grow with your students through this Live It Out. Influence Proverbs 4:23 Notes: Humans tend to give their hearts away too easily. In Proverbs, the word heart can mean many things, often referring to a person s mind, emotions, will, or even our whole inner being. In this passage, the author is pointing out the importance of the things that influence us. Relationships, movies, social media, and even the time we spend on our computers influence us. Proverbs says that our hearts will determine the direction of our lives. Only God can fully satisfy your heart. Be careful what you allow to influence it. Think about the things in your life that you spend the most time doing. Write down how each one of them affects the way you live. YY Are the influences you are allowing in your life making you more or less like Christ? Explain. ONE CONVERSATION Scripture: John 8:12-19 Topic: Our Need for Direction Use these discussion starters to help foster a spiritual conversation with your family. THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: We all desire direction and purpose. We want clear understanding about big life decisions and issues. When we find ourselves in the dark, we begin to realize that we are small, fearful creatures who struggle to find our way. Yet Jesus can overcome our fears and gives us confidence to move forward with Him. Jesus is always with us, no matter how dark life may seem. And He does more than turn on the light. He is the Light of the world. STUDENTS THE POINT: Jesus is the true Light who reveals where we should go. What s the darkest, scariest place you ve ever visited? Where do you see evidence of darkness in today s world? LIVE IT OUT If you choose to do Influence: Have a conversation around this quote: Men come and go; If you choose to do Daily Reading: He abides. They die, but He lives. They are lights kindled, and sooner or later quenched; but He is the true light from which they draw all their brightness, and He shines for evermore. 1 Alexander MacLaren What we are influenced by will determine our direction in life. Take time to discuss your daily Scripture readings from this week. 1. Christ our Everlasting Light, Great Quotes for Quoting [online], [cited 16 July 2015]. Available from the Internet: https://thequotes.wordpress.com/category/satisfaction-in-christ/ BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 27