Session 2: I AM the Light of the World - John 8:12-20, 12:35-36

This post is part of an 8-part series from the book of John. The study looks at Jesus’s ‘I AM’ passages from John and passages in the Old Testament which echo the heart of the message of Jesus and reveal the way in which the Old Testament has reflected the name. They open with introductory questions, reading the passage, and then some observation and interpretation questions follow. The sessions end with personal application questions. Please feel free to share an application response or comment on the study itself in the section below.

Introduction

What does the word light signify to you?

How do you respond to being in dark places?

Read John 8:12-20; 12:35-36.

Reading Questions

Note the account which precedes Jesus’s statement, ‘I am the light of the world.’ Is there a connection between the two? If so, describe it.

Who is Jesus talking to in these two passages? How do they respond to him?

By doing the same in verse 15, Light passes judgement on no one. Discuss the veracity of this statement.

What are the benefits to those who follow the light according to the passage?

Old Testament Links

What does ‘light’ describe in each of the following verses?

Exodus 13:21-22

Daniel 2:22

Isaiah 9:1-7

What is light accompanied by in the following verses?

Psalm 27:1

Psalm 43:3

Psalm 119:105, 130

Exodus 37:17-24 and Leviticus 24:1-4 describe the lampstand in the tabernacle. What do the placement of it and its construction tell you of it as well?

Genesis 1:3 is reflected in John’s opening verses, 1:1-10. How does this encourage understanding of the ‘Light of the world’?

Application

In Matthew 5:14, Jesus states, ‘You are the light of the world.’ Given the discussion during this session, what does being light mean for believers?

In the tabernacle, the lampstand was to be tended daily and filled with clear olive oil. What does this say about Jesus? What does this say about our worship?

How does the Old Testament present light in comparison to the way it is presented in the New Testament?

John’s mission in writing the Gospel, according to John 20:31, is that ‘you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name.’ Discuss why light may have been included to support this mission.