It is only in finding Jesus’ true identity that we find our own. !“I AM...the Light of the World” July 7th, 2013 !OBSERVE & REFLECT !(This section is designed to encourage us to reflect on and observe the scripture and weekend sermon.) !READ John 8:1-32 Read the text at least twice. Try reading the text from two different translations. What do you observe in the text? What jumps out at you and grabs your attention? What questions do you have from the text? Pay attention to any action words or phrases and observe what the implications are. !INVESTIGATE & APPLY !(This section focuses on what the scripture has to say as we dig deeper into the Word. It is oriented to create !discussion on the Scripture.) 1. In John 8:12, Jesus makes the second of His seven “I am” statements recorded in the Gospel of John. On the surface,what For further study: does Jesus referring to Himself as “the light of the world” mean to Jesus fulfills OT promises of the coming of you? What is the function of light, and how does that relate to Jesus? the “light” of salvation and the “light” of God (e.g., Ex. 25:37; Lev. 24:2; Ps. 27:1; Isa. 9:2; 2. John typically tells a story or two that illustrate the “I am” statement of 42:6; 49:6; John 9:5; Acts 13:47; 26:18, 23; Jesus. Read John 8:1-11 and place yourself in this scene.What would be the emotions of the woman “caught in the act” of adultery? Eph. 5:8–14; 1 John 1:5–7). As she is marched to the temple court? What would you be thinking in the crowd gathered around Jesus when this scene unfolds? 3. What accusation would the Pharisees bring against Jesus if he told them to let the woman go? What would the people think of Jesus if he told the Pharisees to stone her? 4. The Pharisees and teachers of the law are rigid rule-keepers. The woman is guilty, and the Law of Moses clearly condemns her. Why don’t they stone her (v.9)? 5. Is Jesus condoning the woman’s sin by not condemning her? Explain. Why do we find it easier to condemn wrongdoing in others than in ourselves? 6. Read verses 10-11. What are the two things that Jesus wants the woman to know? Why is it so important that He points out both of these? Pastor Tim Keller points out that the Gospel teaches us that “You are more sinful than you can believe, but you are more loved than you can imagine.” Do you believe that? 7. What do you think the woman’s life looked like after this encounter with Jesus? How would you be changed if you were in her shoes? 8. How do the Pharisees react to Jesus words? What is the significance of Jesus’ response in v. 14? What claim is Jesus making in vv 14-18? How does this claim heighten the tension between Jesus and the Jews (vv. 19-30)? What is Jesus really saying in v. 23? Verse 24 contains the primary reason for Jesus’ conversation with the religious leaders. How would you explain the significance of this verse to someone? 9. Many people quote verse 32. However, Jesus places a condition on this verse in verse 31. What is it? How can we "hold" to Jesus’ teachings? How have you seen this to be true as you have been set free by the truth of Jesus Christ? !NEXT STEPS How does Jesus’ treatment of the woman help you face sin in your own life? In what way is Jesus saying to you, “ “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”?

“Abiding” is at the heart of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. What are some practical ways that you daily abide in Jesus? As you abide, how have you see yourself being set free?

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