9.22.24 Discussion Guide
Read: John 12:44–50
Q1: In verse 45, Jesus says “whoever sees me sees him who sent me.” Clearly, the Bible affirms that Jesus is God. Think about your co-workers or perhaps unbelieving friends or family members. Why do you think people are content with thinking about Jesus as a “good moral teacher?”
Q2: The first advent (the incarnation) was a time for salvation. The second advent (the return of Christ) will be a time for judgment. We live in between the advents. Now is a time for repentance and faith. For those in Christ, the end-time judgement has already taken place in Christ’s atoning death. Have you repented of your sins and turned to Christ in faith? How does living in between the advents spur you on to grow in godliness?
Q3: In vs 47, Jesus says, “I did not come to judge but to save the world.” He was referring to the purpose of his incarnation. He did not mean that there would never be judgment. Is thinking about God’s judgement difficult for you? Do you have a negative understanding of God’s judgement?
*Rightly understanding God’s judgement should not lead to an attitude of condescension or superiority. Rather, it should cause us to bewail our own sins. (See Luke 18:11–13).
Q4: Jesus’ words bring eternal life. How can you abide in Jesus’ words this week? How have you experienced God’s Word as life-giving?
Q5: Vs 47 says that Jesus came as light so that we would not remain in darkness. Do you know anyone in your sphere of influence who is in darkness? Pray for them. How can you be faithful to share the gospel with them?
Q6: Are there any areas in your life that you are concealing in darkness? Paul instructs us to take no part in unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them (Eph 5:11). In the light of Christ, there is forgiveness, life, and freedom.
Q6: The main application from the sermon was Don’t grow disillusioned with the light. In what ways are you tempted to grow disillusioned? What encourages you to keep walking with Jesus?
Q7: One way we prevent ourselves from growing disillusioned with the light is to continually remind ourselves of the truth of who we are in Christ. Read the following passages: Eph 5:8; 1 Thess 5:5; Gal 2:20; 1 Cor 6:11. What do these verses reveal about our identity?
Q8: What are specific ways you are walking in the light?