We realize you may not be able to discuss b. Is there such a thing as absolute truth? If so, all the questions. Pick the ones you like. what makes something absolute truth? What have you heard other people say about the Small Group Questions concept of absolute truth? “Deeper Truths” John 8:31-59 c. What are some of the things you know to be absolutely true? Previous message summary: While Jesus was at the Discussion Questions Feast of Booths, he stood in the temple and proclaimed, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk Read John 8:31-59 in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This was a 2. Jesus is talking to the Jews who believed in him. radical statement about who Jesus is and what he has What does Jesus say about what it takes to truly be come into the world to accomplish. Everyone at the feast his disciple? would know that Jesus is claiming that he is the fulfillment a. How does a disciple of Jesus abide in his of Old Testament prophecy about the coming Messiah. word? Does this take place by accident in the As the torches were lit to remember how God led the life of a Christian? nation of Israel in the wilderness after leaving Egypt, this statement of Jesus serves as a beacon to shine a light on b. What does Jesus mean when he talks about the reality that Jesus has come into the world so that we knowing the truth? Is Jesus talking about can rise above the darkness of this world and live in the academic knowledge (book learning) or is he light. talking about something else? What we learned: As followers of Christ, we are called to c. What are some ways you can abide in the be light in the darkness as we live our lives. Christians are words of Jesus this week? What blessings can people who have been transformed by the light of Jesus come into your life as you abide in God’s and in turn reflect light into the dark places in our world. Word? May it be our goal to love our neighbor in a way that 3. Where does ultimate freedom in life come from? reflects the light of Jesus. May we stand up for truth in a What is the truth that gives ultimate freedom? Read way that reflects the light of Jesus. May we share the John 8:32, 36. good news about Jesus with a lost world in a way that a. What comes to mind when you think about reflects the light of Jesus. In all we do, may we shine freedom? What came to mind when the Jews bright for Christ. thought of freedom? Read John 8:33. Introduction b. Were the Jews correct in saying that they have 1. Think about truth. How would you define truth? How never been enslaved to anyone physically? would the world around you define truth? What is the c. What does Jesus say about the power of sin biggest difference between the way you and the and its ability to enslave? Read John 8:34-35. world define truth, if any? What does the New Testament teach about sin a. Can truth be changed over time? If something and its power to enslave people? Read is true, is it always true? Why or why not? Romans 3:23; 6:15-19. d. Have you ever felt the bondage of sin in your John 4:23; 8:32; 14:6; 18:37. How important is life? What does freedom mean to you, in light knowing the truth of who Jesus is and what he has of the bondage that sin brings? come to accomplish for all mankind? 4. Who do the Jews claim as their father in verse 39? Challenge: To know the truth is to know Jesus. Make it Were they right in claiming that Abraham was their your goal this week to pursue truth in every area of your ancestor and served as a father of all Jews? Read life, knowing that there is absolute freedom from sin and Genesis 12:1-3. the power of sin only through Jesus. a. What trait does Jesus say the children of Abraham would possess? Read John 8:39-40. Action: I will abide in Jesus’ word this week and b. When the Jews say, “We have one Father – demonstrate that I am a true disciple of Jesus by even God,” how does Jesus respond? Why is ______. Jesus so harsh with these Jews? Next Steps: c. Who does Jesus say their father is? How does G I am so thankful for the freedom that is available in Jesus describe their father? Why does Jesus Christ: freedom from both the penalty of sin, and the make this bold claim? Read John 8:41-45. power of sin. d. What is the mark of someone who is “of God”? G I realize that a true disciple of Jesus abides in the Read John 8:47. If someone were to look at Word of God (Jn 8:31). your life, would they be able to say that God was your father? What would need to change G I personally know that Jesus is the way, the truth, for people to know that you are a child of God? and the life (Jn 14:6). 5. What claims do the Jews make about who Jesus is in verse 48? Are they correct in their claims? Why would the Jews make these claims about Jesus? a. What promise does Jesus give the one who keeps his word? Read John 8:51. b. What Old Testament hero of faith do the Jews try to compare with Jesus? Why would they choose to compare Jesus to this character? c. What does Jesus say about how he compares to Abraham? Read John 8:58. Is this consistent with how the Gospel of John presents Jesus? Read John 1:1-2, 14. d. How do the Jews respond to Jesus’ statement, “Before Abraham was, I AM”? 6. What is the connection between Jesus and the truth that is presented throughout John’s Gospel? Read