Session 10 John 8:3-18
what Jesus said about the world.
12 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.”13 So the Pharisees said to him,
“You are testifying about yourself.
Your testimony is not valid.”
14 “Even if I testify about myself,” Jesus replied,
“My testimony is true, 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.15 You judge by human standards.
I judge no one.
16 And if I do judge, my judgment is true,
because it is not I alone who judge,
but I and the Father who sent me.
17 Even in your law it is written that t
he testimony of two witnesses is true.
18 I am the one who testifies about myself,
and the Father who sent me testifies about me.”
Using the information in the bullet below,
describe the backdrop to Jesus’s “I am” statement.
Jesus equated Himself with God
through these “I am” statements.
Point out that the light at the Festival of Shelters
reminded the people of God’s presence
when He led their ancestors through the wilderness
in a pillar of fire.
Discuss responses.
Note that Jesus shined a light on the evil motives
of the Pharisees who wanted to stone the woman.
Instead of making the most of His light,
they walked away. But Jesus’s light
can bring help and healing
for those who are willing to stand in it.
the Pharisees did not accept
Jesus’s testimony and tried to use
legal technicalities to question its validity.
Jesus defended His testimony
by pointing to His Father who sent Him.
Jesus is the Son of God.
Human standards of judgment fall short,
but He is completely trustworthy and full of truth.
Direct attention to their index cards.
Guide the group to write a short description of their unrighteousness on one side
and of their righteousness in Jesus on the other side.
Assure them that they will not be asked to share their descriptions.
Encourage them to consider their lives before Jesus
and their lives since trusting Jesus.
Instruct the group to reflect on the question
under Apply the Text (p. 87):
How can the group be agents of God’s forgiveness to a greater degree?
Lead the group to suggest ways they can serve as agents of God’s forgiveness each day.
Encourage them to look for opportunities to share His love and forgiveness with someone else this week.
Close in prayer,
praising Jesus for His offer of grace
and for the forgiveness He provides
to all who come to Him.
Reinforce the session by following up with anyone who spoke with you after group time about the need for grace and forgiveness.