Session 10 John 8:3-18

I AM THE LIGHT

ENGAGE

BEGIN:

share the story about Mammoth Cave from the opening paragraph on page 85.

Mammoth Cave in south-central Kentucky is the largest known cave system in the world.
The mapped system covers 420 miles.
During guided tours, guests are given the opportunity to experience complete darkness.
The Bible compares our sin-filled world to living in darkness.
Just like turning on the lights provides comfort and direction when in a cave,
Jesus provides light in our world.
He brings hope and assurance to anyone who will receive Him.

questions:

• What is the darkest place you have ever been in?
• What emotions did you experience? (p. 85)

DISCUSS:

the Bible often uses darkness as a metaphor for sin.

Ask:

• How is being in darkness similar to living in sin?

Encourage the group to refer back to their previous answer
regarding the emotions they experienced in darkness.

Ask:

• How did you feel when you left the darkness and came back into light?

TRANSITION:

In dark places, light provides direction and comfort.
It can also expose dangers or obstacles in our path.
In this session, Jesus claimed to be the Light of the world,
bringing hope and assurance to a dark place.

EXPLORE

INTRODUCE:

provides insight into why many Pharisees opposed Jesus.

Emphasize their strict adherence to the law.

Note that some Pharisees, like Nicodemus,
eventually became Christ-followers.

CHALLENGE:

pay attention to the differences between
righteousness, self-righteousness, and unrighteousness.

Consider if there are areas in your life
where religion gets in the way of truly following Jesus.