Theme

Jesus brings light into darkness

Questions

• What words do you associate with light? What words do you associate with darkness?
• Think about Jesus’ phrase “the light of life” (v.12) and look at John 1:3-9.
  • What do you think John mean by describing Jesus as life which brings light (John 1:4-5)?
  • People try to light up their lives in all sorts of ways. Why do you think Jesus is the “true light” (John 1:9)?
• Compare v.19 with Jesus teaching in John 12:44-46 and John 14:7-11. Are you confident that God is made known in Jesus? How can you share this with others?
• Earlier in John’s gospel Jesus speaks about people loving darkness rather than light (see John 3:19-21).
  • What do you think Jesus means by people loving darkness rather than light?
  • Do you think this is true? Why/ why not?
• A common phrase Jesus uses in John’s gospel is about him being “lifted up” (for example v.28), this refers to him being crucified. Look at John 12:32-36.
  • In what way do you think Jesus’ death and resurrection shows that he is who he claims to be?
  • How does being “lifted up” draw people to himself (John 12:32 & 36)?
• A lot of this passage is about people questioning who Jesus is and his authority to speak and act as he does. Look at 2 Corinthians 4:4-6.
  • In what ways do you think people are blinded to the light Jesus brings into the world?
  • How can we follow Paul’s example and preach “Jesus Christ as Lord” in our lives (2 Cor 4:5)?
• Look at Matthew 5:14-16. In this passage Jesus is talking about his followers, not about himself.
  • What do you think it means for you to be the light of the world?
  • How can your actions bring praise to God?
• In his first letter, John continues to focus on light and darkness. Look at 1 John 1:5-7 & 2:8-11. How do these passages help us understand our relationships with God and one another (Ephesians 5:8-20 also looks at the ways we should be with one another)?