The right frame of mind
Before you start to dive into this week’s bible study, take a few moments to calm your spirit. Get comfortable with your beverage of choice, your bible and something to write with. Pray that God would give you the time to study without distractions (put your phone on silent) and put to one side the concerns of the day. Breathe deeply for a few seconds and focus on who Jesus said he was…. When you are ready move on…
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Back in May we looked at a couple of the ‘I am’ statements of Jesus mentioned in John’s Gospel. Here is the third in the series.
- “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51) As bread sustains physical life, so Christ offers and sustains spiritual life.
- “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) To a world lost in darkness, Christ offers Himself as a guide.
- “I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7,9) Jesus protects His followers as shepherds protect their flocks from predators.
- “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25) Death is not the final word for those in Christ.
- “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14) Jesus is committed to caring and watching over those who are His.
- “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) Jesus is the source of all truth and knowledge about God.
- “I am the true vine.” (John 15:1, 5) By attached ourselves to Christ, we enable His life to flow in and through us. Then we cannot help but bear fruit that will honour the Father.
Borrowed from the TNBibles website
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Take a moment and read John 8:12 a couple of times and 1 John 1: – 2:11…
12Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
Jesus was speaking to a series of prophesies from the old testament and telling mankind that he was the fulfilment of things Prophesied 700 years earlier.
Isaiah 9:2, -The people who walked…
What do you think Christ meant in John 8:12? Note that it is conditional – Those who follow me – Mal 4:2 – Those who revere my name. How does this balance with ‘I am the light of the world’?
How does light contrast with darkness in the context of this passage?
Jesus also told His disciples to make the most of it – John 12:35-6 What relevance does this have for us today? Psalm 119:130, John 1:4-5, Psalm 119:105 Side note: a light for my path will only illuminate a few steps at a time – what are the implication of this.
The texts, seem to suggest that the Word is available and for everyone, but that we have to make a conscious decision to follow Christ.
The Blessings of Walking in the Light
What does it mean for Jesus to be “the Light of the World” today? How does that apply to us today?
Make up a list of the blessings of walking in the light. Here are a few verses to start you off.
Psa 27:1, John 12:36, 2Cor 4:6, 1Pet 2:9, Take another look at the ‘I am’ statements of Jesus mentioned in John’s Gospel. (Top of the page)
We also have a mandate…