Class Lesson March 13, 2016

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE

Late one Saturday night, my five-year-old son accompanied me on a quick trip to our church. It was pitch black outside as well as inside the building. The light switches were across the foyer from the entry. As we shuffled along in the dark, moving toward the switches, someone touched my hand. I screamed! My son squeezed my hand harder and said, “Don’t worry, Daddy, it’s me.”

What a relief!

When you are surrounded by darkness, it’s good to know someone is with you. It’s even better to have someone turn on the lights.




As we’ll see in John 8, Jesus is always with us, no matter how dark life may seem. And He does more than turn on the light. Jesus Himself is the Light of the world.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

John 8:12-19 (NIV)

12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

13The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”

14Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going.

15You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one.

16But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me.

17In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true.

18I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”

19Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”



Light of the world (v. 12)—Jesus illumines the path we are called to follow.


Darkness (v. 12)—The antithesis to light. Here, “darkness” is used as the metaphorical equivalent in religious language to evil, immorality, and other spiritual forces aligned against God.


Testimony (vv. 13-14)—A courtroom term referring to statements about which a person would swear in a court of law; in this case, it meant speaking truth about what one has witnessed about God.

John 8:12

Jesus had been teaching in the temple complex during the Festival of Tabernacles (see John 7:2,14). The morning after the last day of the festival, Jesus went again to the temple and began to teach. As He taught, the religious leaders brought to Him a woman who had been caught in adultery (see 8:2-11). They did so “at dawn” (v. 2). As the sun came up, the people would have been coming out of darkened houses to experience the fresh light of a new day. This helped set the stage for Jesus’ incredible pronouncement: “I am the light of the world.”


Notice Jesus did not claim to provide light to the world. He declared Himself to be “the light of the world.”


The concept and symbolism of light is very important in the Bible. Light is used as a symbol or reference for salvation in both Old and New Testaments (see Ps. 27:1 and 1 John 1:7, for examples). When Jesus proclaimed that He was the Light of the world, He thus announced Himself as the only Source for salvation. Jesus is the only true Savior.


The Bible also uses light to symbolize God’s direction. God had led His people by a pillar of fire at night during their wilderness wanderings (see Ex. 13:21-22). Appropriately, this event had just been commemorated through the Festival of Tabernacles during the time Jesus made this temple visit.


Think about the nature of Jesus’ claim in an agrarian society. During a time before electricity, when light was more difficult to create and more precious to maintain, Jesus declared Himself to be light. Jesus identified Himself as a primary Source for a fundamental need among humanity.

Jesus also followed His assertion with a promise: “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (v. 12). Jesus promised we would never be in darkness.

It’s easy for people to become enamored with what appear to be other sources of light—worldly wisdom, media information, popular philosophies, and so on. All of these sparkle and shine to get our attention, but ultimately they lead down dark trails of frustration and desperation. Trust Jesus as the Light: your Savior and Guide. 

John 8:13-15

The Pharisees reacted negatively to Jesus’ assertion that He was the Light of the world. Their objection was based on the law: “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid” (v. 13). This, however, was not the first time Jesus had heard this accusation, and He previously cited four witnesses in His defense—John the Baptist, His works, His Father, and Scripture (see John 5:31-39).


Jesus didn’t disagree that valid testimony requires corroboration (see Deut. 17:6; 19:15). Therefore, He produced other witnesses to back up His declaration. The problem was the Pharisees’ determination to ignore any information that contradicted their foregone conclusion that Jesus was a fraud. They weren’t about to be confused by the facts.

Many religious people today have made up their minds about what constitutes spiritual “truth”—even when it contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture. Unbelievers make the same mistake by trusting in their reason, man-made philosophies, or humanistic education rather than in God’s Word. No matter how unreasonable their positions may be, both groups hold fast to what they believe rather than submit to Jesus and biblical truth.


Jesus knew the truth, and He knew His testimony was valid. “My testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going” (v. 14). He appealed to His origin and His destination as proof of His Deity. He had come from His Father and would soon return.


The Pharisees’ problem was their humanistic worldview. Jesus said, “You judge by human standards” (v. 15). They started with themselves and incorporated God into their lives wherever they could. Jesus calls us to start with God as our Father and adjust our lives accordingly. He must be at the center of our lives, with everything else ordered around Him.

  

John 8:16-19

Jesus came to extend salvation, not condemnation, to all people (see 3:17). He came as light to overcome darkness, not just as a judge to condemn darkne6ss. He came as an exclusive Savior, and all people will be judged based on their choices about Him.

Continuing His testimony, Jesus used an argument based on the law—the Pharisees’ ultimate source of authority: “In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true” (v. 17). This was based on Old Testament passages which required at least two credible witnesses to determine guilt in a legal proceeding (see Deut. 17:6-7; 19:15). Jesus declared His claims to be true because they were based on the testimony of two witnesses—Himself and His Father. These two witnesses are the pinnacle of anyone who might be called in any judicial proceeding.

Jesus concluded this exchange with His most pointed rebuke: “You do not know me or my Father” (v. 19). Imagine how stunning those words must have sounded to the arrogant Pharisees who paraded themselves as public models of religious devotion. They claimed to know God; in fact, they claimed to know more about God than anyone else. Yet Jesus pronounced them to be illegitimate usurpers with no genuine relationship with the Father.

We must not make this same mistake. Jesus is the Light of the world, and God the Father is His corroborating witness. Therefore, live your life under His authority in submission to His instructions.

LIVE IT OUT

Since Jesus is the Light of the world, how will that truth influence your actions and attitudes this week? Consider taking one of the following steps in response:

• Identify. Seek out an area of your life in which you are following sources of light other than Christ. Take action to move away from those sources and follow Christ.

• Submit. Begin each day this week by verbally submitting yourself to God. Proclaim your desire to walk only in the direction revealed by the light of Christ, and continually pray for guidance throughout the day. 

• Study. Read a book on Christian worldview such as Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. If possible, study this book with someone else and discuss what it teaches about following the light and direction of Jesus.

There will be times when you find yourself in darkness—our world is filled with it, after all. But you never have to be alone in that darkness. When you follow Jesus, you will always be able to find the Light. 

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Our Lesson Today:

 

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THE GUIDING LIGHT

Do you remember this intro? “And now, The Guiding Light.” It is an old one. According to Guinness Book of World Records The Guiding Light was the longest running drama of all time. It came on the air in January 25, 1937 five days after President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s second inauguration as 15 minute serials. It then lasted some 18,000 episodes and 72 years, finally ending on September 18th, 2009.

The series was created by Irna Phillips who based it on her personal spiritual experiences of having given birth to a still-born baby and finding comfort in listening to on-air sermons. These sermons provided the nucleus upon which the show was based. The Guiding Light refers to a lamp in the study of a minister who would turn it on to be a sign for the residents to find help when needed.

With such an extensive history the show reflected, in a sense, the changing times of this country. Over the years the preacher was removed, the Christian message dissipated and the inspirational themes evolved into typical soap exploitation and glorification of sin. Even the “the” was removed and the light went from being exclusive and singular to being just a Guiding Light among many.

 

This is what has happened to our world today - we have removed the exclusive and singular Guiding Light.

 

Today, Jesus returns the "The" and declares that He is the guiding light to the world! 

Today we will see in John 8 that Jesus is always with us, no matter how dark life may seem. And He does more than turn on the light. Jesus is the Light of the world. And once again this truth points to God.


THE POINT: Jesus is the Light who reveals the way we should go. 

I. Jesus Is the Light of the World - John 8:12

12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”


Light of the world - Jesus illumines the path we are called to follow.

Darkness - is used as the metaphorical equivalent in religious language to evil, immorality, and other spiritual forces aligned against God.


This is the second of seven “I AM” declarations of Jesus, recorded only in John’s gospel. Jesus is claiming that He is the exclusive source of spiritual light. No other source of spiritual truth is available to mankind.



What was going on that might have led Jesus to use light as His second I am statement?

• Jesus had been teaching in the temple complex during the Festival of Tabernacles (see John 7:2, 14). This festival commemorated how God had led His people by a pillar of fire at night during their wilderness wanderings (Ex. 13:21-22).The morning after the last day of the festival, Jesus went again to the temple and began to teach. As He taught, the religious leaders brought to Him a woman who had been caught in adultery (see 8:2-11). They did so “at dawn” (v. 2). As the sun came up, the people would have been coming out of darkened houses to experience the fresh light of a new day. This helped set the stage for Jesus’ incredible pronouncement: “I am the light of the world.”
• Another feature of the Feast of Tabernacles was a dramatic ceremony of lights. Four great lamps were perched high in the temple courts tall enough to rise above the temple walls. The lamps were filled with many gallons of oil. Priests would light the cloth wicks in the lamps. The tremendous light generated from these huge golden lamps and emanating from the temple complex out to the city was said to light up all the courtyards of Jerusalem. Celebrants would dance beneath the lamps carrying flaming torches and singing songs. Levites standing on the fifteen steps leading down from the Court of Israel to the Court of the Women played harps, lyres, cymbals, trumpets, and other musical instruments. Jesus once again showed up in the temple to teach during the Festival of Tabernacles. During His talk, He gave another momentous “I am” saying. Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world.” Jesus made His great declaration of being the Light of the world in the context of this Festival of Tabernacles with its dramatic light ceremony. Jesus seems to have been claiming dramatically that He could light up not only all of Jerusalem, like the great Tabernacle’s candelabras in the court of the temple, but the whole world.
• Notice Jesus did not claim to provide light to the world. He declared Himself to be “the light of the world.”

Why is light a fitting metaphor for Jesus?

• The concept and symbolism of light is very important in the Bible. Light is used as a symbol or reference for salvation in both Old and New Testaments (see Ps. 27:1 and 1 John 1:7, for examples). When Jesus proclaimed that He was the Light of the world, He thus announced Himself as the only Source for salvation. Jesus is the only true Savior. Jesus makes known the truth of God that leads to life.
• The Bible also uses light to symbolize God’s direction. God had led His people by a pillar of fire at night during their wilderness wanderings (see Ex. 13:21-22). Think about the nature of Jesus’ claim in an agrarian society. During a time before electricity, when light was more difficult to create and more precious to maintain, Jesus declared Himself to be light.
• There are two types of light in the world. We can perceive one, or both, or neither! When we are born into this world, we perceive physical light, and by it we learn of our Creator’s handiwork in the things we see. However, although that light is good, there is another Light, a Light so important that the Son of God had to come in order to both declare and impart it to men. John 8:12 records, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.’” The allegory used by the Lord in this verse speaks of the light of His Truth, the light of His Word, the light of eternal Life. Those who perceive the true Light will never walk in spiritual darkness.
• “God is light,” says 1 John 1:5. Light is a common metaphor in the Bible. Proverbs 4:18 symbolizes righteousness as the “morning sun.” Philippians 2:15 likens God’s children who are “blameless and pure” to shining stars in the sky. Jesus used light as a picture of good works: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds” (Matthew 5:16). Psalm 76:4 says of God, “You are radiant with light.”

Jesus is the inexhaustible and inextinguishable light who illuminates humankind in spiritual matters and reveals the way of salvation.




Where do you see evidence of darkness in today’s world?

• Entertainment world, relationships, politics, drug culture, abortion, rise of homosexual influence

In what way is Jesus a "light"?

• He brings Truth to these elements of darkness in our world
• He shows the contrast between the darkness in our world and God’s plan
• He shows God’s solution for these examples of darkness

How is Jesus the light in your world?

• By reading what God says in Scripture
• By lighting the pathway of our lives
• By giving direction in decisions
• He brings Truth to bear in different situations we face

How are people in a state of darkness before they believe in Jesus?

• They are living without Jesus … without God’s influence in their lives
• They are not aware of their own problems or how to escape their problems, struggling with no understanding of the way out.
• They are not even sure what the problem is

What is impossible for the person who follows Jesus to do?

• Those who follow Jesus cannot also live in darkness.
• Jesus identified Himself as a primary Source for a fundamental need among humanity. Jesus also followed His assertion with a promise: “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (v. 12). Jesus promised we would never be in darkness.
• We take a candle into a room to dispel the darkness. Likewise, the Light of Jesus Christ has to be taken into the darkness of sin that engulfs the hearts and lives of those who are not following Him. That’s the condition behind having this Light—that we follow Him. If we do not follow Him, we will not have this light, this truth, this eternal life.

• The fact that God is light sets up a natural contrast with darkness. If light is a metaphor for righteousness and goodness, then darkness signifies evil and sin. First John 1:6 says that “if we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” Verse 5 says, “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” Note that we are not told that God is a light but that He is light. Light is part of His essence, as is love (1 John 4:8).The message is that God is completely, unreservedly, absolutely holy, with no admixture of sin, no taint of iniquity, and no hint of injustice.
• If we do not have the light, we do not know God. Those who know God, who walk with Him, are of the light and walk in the light. They are made partakers of God’s divine nature, “having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:4).

What is a benefit that comes to the one who follows Jesus?

• It’s easy for people to become enamored with what appear to be other sources of light—worldly wisdom, media information, popular philosophies, and so on. All of these sparkle and shine to get our attention, but ultimately they lead down dark trails of frustration and desperation. Trust Jesus as the Light: your Savior and Guide.
• Physical light is necessary for physical life. The earth would certainly change very rapidly if there were no longer any sunlight. A forest full of trees with very thick canopies of foliage high above has very little plant life on the ground except for moss or lichen, which needs little sunlight. Plants will never move away from the light—they are said to be positively phototropic, drawn to the light. In the same way, spiritual light is necessary for spiritual life, and this can be a good test of our standing in Christ. The believer will always tend toward spiritual things; he will always tend toward fellowship, prayer, the Word of God, and so on. The unbeliever always does the opposite (John 1:5; 3:19–20) because light exposes his evil, and he hates the light. Indeed, no man can come into the true spiritual light of Jesus Christ, unless he is enabled (John 6:37).

Jesus’ two promises if you follow Him:


1. His followers will never walk in darkness, which is a reference to the assurance of salvation we enjoy. As true followers of the Light, we will never follow the ways of sin, never live in a state of continually sinning (1 John 1:5–7). Rather, we repent of our sin in order to stay close to the Light of the world. Those who follow Jesus receive life.



2. We will reflect the Light of Life. Just as He came as the Light of the world, He commands us to be “lights,” too. In Matthew 5:14–16 we see believers depicted as the light of the world. Just as the moon has no light of its own, reflecting the light of the sun, so are believers to reflect the Light of Christ so that all can see it in us. The Light is evident to others by the good deeds we do in faith and through the power of the Holy Spirit. God is light, and it is His plan that believers shine forth His light, becoming more like Christ every day. “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5). God is the Creator of physical light as well as the Giver of spiritual light by which we can see the truth. Light exposes that which is hidden in darkness; it shows things as they really are.



What does it look like never to walk in darkness (spiritual darkness)?

• Assurance of freedom from sin (the penalty and the power of sin)
• We are able to see the way through spiritual problems
• We are able to bring God’s wisdom and Truth to bear on all aspects of life

WHAT’S YOUR TESTIMONY

If you were called as a witness to testify about who Jesus is based on your personal experiences with Him, how would you respond?




What prevents you from sharing your experiences with Jesus more freely?

• The emphasis here is maintaining a credible and obvious witness in the world, a witness that shows us to be faithful, God-honoring, trustworthy, sincere, earnest, and honest in all that we do. Also, we should always be ready to give an account of the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15), for the gospel Light we have is not to be covered, but made obvious for all to see and benefit from, that they, too, may leave the darkness and come into the Light. The emphasis here is maintaining a credible and obvious witness in the world, a witness that shows us to be faithful, God-honoring, trustworthy, sincere, earnest, and honest in all that we do. Also, we should always be ready to give an account of the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15), for the gospel Light we have is not to be covered, but made obvious for all to see and benefit from, that they, too, may leave the darkness and come into the Light.
• Christians cannot sit idly by and watch others continue in the darkness of sin, knowing that those in darkness are destined for eternal separation from God. The Light of the World desires to banish the darkness and bestow His wisdom everywhere (Isaiah 9:2; Habakkuk 2:14; John 1:9). In taking the light of the gospel to the world, we must by necessity reveal things about people that they would rather leave hidden. Light is uncomfortable to those accustomed to the dark (John 3:20).

 

II. Jesus’ Word About Himself Is True and Trustworthy - John 8:13-15

13The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” 14Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one.


Testimony - A courtroom term referring to statements about which a person would swear in a court of law; in this case, it meant speaking truth about what one has witnessed about God.



What was their response to Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world?

• They said, your claims are your own, you have no other person or witness to back you up. Anyone can make claims like this, you need additional proof. The Pharisees reacted negatively to Jesus’ assertion that He was the Light of the world. Their objection was based on the law: “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid” (v. 13).
• In response to Jesus’ proclamations regarding Himself, the Pharisees accused Him of unsubstantiated testimony, which the law did not allow. Hence, they insisted to Him that “your testimony is not valid.” The law did demand multiple witnesses for serious cases (see Num. 35:30; Deut. 17:6; 19:15), which later Jewish tradition extended to other cases as well. The requirement for a matter to be verified by more than one witness prevented a single, disgruntled individual from being able to create legal problems for another. We see this law in effect during the Sanhedrin trial of Jesus as the religious leaders produced many witnesses against Jesus, but the testimonies of the various false witnesses did not agree with one another (see Mark 14:55-59). Jesus’ opponents may have been trying to throw His own words back at Him. Earlier Jesus had said that if He testified about Himself, then His testimony was not valid (see John 5:31). Even then, however, Jesus had pointed out that His words about Himself were corroborated by His mighty works, the testimony of John the Baptist, and that of the Father Himself. His words had not stood by themselves.

How did Jesus validate His claim?

• Jesus didn’t disagree that valid testimony requires corroboration (see Deut. 17:6; 19:15). Therefore, He produced other witnesses to back up His declaration. The problem was the Pharisees’ determination to ignore any information that contradicted their foregone conclusion that Jesus was a fraud. They weren’t about to be confused by the facts.
• Many religious people today have made up their minds about what constitutes spiritual “truth”—even when it contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture. Unbelievers make the same mistake by trusting in their reason, man-made philosophies, or humanistic education rather than in God’s Word. No matter how unreasonable their positions may be, both groups hold fast to what they believe rather than submit to Jesus and biblical truth.
• Jesus knew the truth, and He knew His testimony was valid. “My testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going” (v. 14). He appealed to His origin and His destination as proof of His Deity. He had come from His Father and would soon return.
• Jesus responded to the present charge in a manner consistent with His earlier assertion that the Father bore witness to the validity of His words: “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid.” Jesus’ answer is true but could not be understood without faith in Him. Jesus asserted, “I know where I came from,” that is, from heaven. Therefore, He has the heavenly Father’s testimony. Such testimony would de facto both fulfill and trump the requirement of the law or tradition for multiple witnesses.
• However, Jesus immediately acknowledged that this answer would not satisfy His opponents, since they did not believe in Him and, thus, “have no idea where I come from or where I am going.” Since these religious leaders refused to recognize and acknowledge Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, the Messiah, they likewise failed to understand that He had come from God and would be returning to God. Their blinded eyes could not see the Father’s testimony in the life and ministry of Jesus, so they perceived Him to be acting and speaking on His own behalf without any supporting evidence.

Why could the Pharisees not understand who Jesus was?

• The Pharisees’ problem was their humanistic worldview. Jesus said, “You judge by human standards” (v. 15). They started with themselves and incorporated God into their lives wherever they could. Jesus calls us to start with God as our Father and adjust our lives accordingly. He must be at the center of our lives, with everything else ordered around Him.
• Not believing in Jesus is clear evidence that His opponents were judging by human standards; Jesus would not play that game. If human standards were the rules by which the Pharisees wished to play, rather than the righteous standards of God, Jesus would abstain. “I pass judgment on no one,” He countered. His role at this time in history was not to be a judge but to be a light. Jesus had already pointed out that God had not sent Him to condemn the world but to save it. But, tellingly, He had also stressed that the one who would not believe in Him was condemned already (see 3:17-18).
• Jesus is not to be evaluated by the standards of this world for He is not of this world.

What are some reasons people give today for rejecting God’s Word as truth?

• It’s all a myth. Jesus was only a good teacher; he could not have been God.
• It’s all written by men, they are not infallible; religion is only a crutch for the weak.
• At a deeper level, they don’t want to become subject to God’s standards of living; don’t want to give up sinful actions and attitudes.
• They choose not to open their spiritual eyes to the Light of the Gospel message.

III. Jesus Makes Known God the Father - John 8:16-19

16 But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.” 19 Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”



What did Jesus not come to do?

• Jesus came to save, not to condemn.

• Jesus came to extend salvation, not condemnation, to all people (see 3:17). He came as light to overcome darkness, not just as a judge to condemn darkne6ss. He came as an exclusive Savior, and all people will be judged based on their choices about Him.
• Jesus had previously stated that He did not judge anyone (see v. 15). The day would come, however, when that would change. And when Jesus does judge, His judgment, in contrast to that of His opponents, will be true. How so? What makes His judgment different from that of the religious leaders? The truth is here: “because I am not alone. I stand with my Father, who sent me.” Jesus claimed a special relationship with God (see 16:32). This special relationship changed the equation. Just as His testimony was not unsupported as the Pharisees had argued, so His judgment will not be in isolation, either. As the Father has willed, so Jesus has done and will do.

Why should the judgments of Jesus be accepted as valid and true?

• Continuing His testimony, Jesus used an argument based on the law—the Pharisees’ ultimate source of authority: “In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true” (v. 17). This was based on Old Testament passages which required at least two credible witnesses to determine guilt in a legal proceeding (see Deut. 17:6-7; 19:15). Jesus declared His claims to be true because they were based on the testimony of two witnesses—Himself and His Father. These two witnesses are the pinnacle of anyone who might be called in any judicial proceeding.

Why did Jesus say to His opponents that in spite of what they claimed, they truly did not know the Father?

• Jesus concluded this exchange with His most pointed rebuke: “You do not know me or my Father” (v. 19). Imagine how stunning those words must have sounded to the arrogant Pharisees who paraded themselves as public models of religious devotion. They claimed to know God; in fact, they claimed to know more about God than anyone else. Yet Jesus pronounced them to be illegitimate usurpers with no genuine relationship with the Father. We must not make this same mistake. Jesus is the Light of the world, and God the Father is His corroborating witness. Therefore, live your life under His authority in submission to His instructions. Jesus reveals the Father and is Himself the only way to Him.

What does it mean to walk in the light?

• To walk in the light means to know God, understand the truth, and live in righteousness.
• To “walk in the light” is a common metaphor within Christian culture. It is often taken to mean “acting correctly” or even “living openly.” Biblically, however, the phrase has the idea of relinquishing sin by following Jesus. The only Old Testament occurrence of this precise phrase is in Isaiah 2:5, “O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the Lord.” The Psalms contain similar phrases (56:13; 89:15), as does Isaiah (9:2; 50:10-11; 59:9). In the New Testament, “walking in the light” is directly related to following Jesus, who said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). While this verse does not directly say, “Walk in the light, i.e., Jesus,” it does pointedly warn of doing the opposite; therefore, those who follow Jesus are “walking in the light.”
• To “walk” is, in short, to live one’s life. One’s lifestyle or way of life can be considered a “walk.” The word also indicates progress. Walking is related to growth; it is taking steps toward maturity. “Light” in the Bible can be a metaphor for life, happiness, righteousness, or understanding. The Bible is clear that light comes from the Lord God, the “Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17). He is the opposite of evil. Putting it all together, “walking in the light” means “growing in holiness and maturing in the faith as we follow Jesus.”
• The apostle John repeatedly used the “light” metaphor in relation to the Messiah. For example, he writes that Jesus is “the true light that gives light to every man” (John 1:9). In 1 John 1:7 he says, “If we walk in the light as He [God] is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” In verse 5, John says that God’s very nature is light. Jesus, then, is the conduit or provider of light to the world.
• Our Christian duty is to live in the light God gives: “Now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). When we walk in the light, we cannot walk in darkness. Sin is left in the shadows as we let our light “shine before men” (Matthew 5:16). It is God’s plan for us to become more like Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:3). “Walking in the light” means we consider Jesus as “the light” in this world, and we “walk” in that light by following His precepts, living in His power, and growing in His grace.

LIVE IT OUT


1. Identify

a. Consider a challenge you face that has frozen you in your tracks.

b. You are afraid whatever decision you make might be wrong

c. Ask the Lord to show you light to take the step you need to take



2. Guide

a. Maybe you know someone facing a difficult decision.

b. This week offer to meet with him or her to discuss the issues and pray together about the decision



3. Study

a. With a concordance and study Bible, research how John uses the concept of light in his Gospel

b. Take notes on what you find, meditate on the concepts

Prayer of Commitment

O Light of the World, shine into my life to dispel the darkness and show me the way to live as one who has eternal life. Amen.



Hope to see you on Sunday!



In His Love,


David & Susan

 

 

 

Class Lesson March 6, 2016 NEW SERIES BEGINS

Don’t deny your needs. Find Who you need. 

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We all long for peace, security, and fulfillment. Denying those needs is pointless. Trying to meet them in unhealthy ways is counterproductive. Languishing in frustration when they are not met is unnecessary.

God has a better plan:

• ”I am the bread of life” (John 6:35).
• “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).
• ”I am the gate” (John 10:7, 9).
• ”I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11).
• ”I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).
• ”I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).
• ”I am the true vine” (John 15:1).

Are you tired of the treadmill of human effort, running on the personal fulfillment track to nowhere? Are you burned out by people—tired of being let down again and again? Are you ready to give up searching for significance at the mall or on the car lot?



For everything you need, Jesus said, “I am.” And that’s more than enough.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE

People today want more:

• The average home has 189 TV channels.

• We can choose from over 50 brands of toothpaste; most of those brands offer multiple choices. 

• The seven-ounce soft drink size of 1955 has been replaced with 42-ounce cups—and larger.

So many people in our society are convinced that more is always better, bigger is always best, and getting our way always equals prosperity and happiness. It’s easy to believe that if we race to the top, gain all the privileges, or have the most money—we will finally be satisfied.



Thankfully, Jesus taught a better way. 

John 6:26-27

26Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

In 1928, Herbert Hoover ran for president with this campaign promise: “A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage.” He was elected. Voters were drawn to the candidate who promised prosperity.


Jesus never promised prosperity, but He did something for the people that led them to think prosperity was just around the corner. Earlier in John 6, Jesus multiplied five barley loaves and two fish into enough food to feed 5,000 men—with still have enough leftovers to fill 12 baskets (see vv. 12-13). This was an impressive miracle that convinced people Jesus was a prophet from God who should be their king.


There’s a problem with the kind of prosperity the people expected from Jesus: it doesn’t last. Sure, the miracle provided a great meal for one day, but the people were hungry again the next day.


In verses 26-27, Jesus confronted their misplaced priorities. The miracle of the loaves and fishes was supposed to draw people to God, not motivate them to trail after Jesus in search of a perpetual buffet. The people were pursuing “food that spoils,” but Jesus had come to offer “food that endures,” meaning eternal life, as a gift from God through the “Son of Man”—Jesus Himself.


People today often struggle with the same misplaced priorities. When we try to satisfy our deepest needs with bigger TVs, sportier cars, or fancier clothes, we waste our time and only become more frustrated. We think such material things will give us the security and significance that only comes through a relationship with Jesus.


We need to get off the “get more” treadmill and enjoy the eternal satisfaction only Jesus provides. 

John 6:35

35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

The crowd had already seen extraordinary things, but apparently that wasn’t enough. They asked Jesus what sign He planned to offer so they might believe in Him. They mentioned God’s earlier provision of manna for their forefathers, as if to say Jesus’ recent culinary miracle was not all that special. They wanted Jesus to do a real miracle to establish His credibility.

We often exhibit the same self-centeredness. We ask God to prove Himself by meeting our needs or by intervening in our lives. We ignore all God has already accomplished—both through the work of Jesus and in our lives over the years—when we require God to act “in the moment” before we affirm faith in Him.


Jesus declared that God had given them “the true bread from heaven” and further clarified, “the bread of God is the bread who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (vv. 32-33). 

In response, the people cried out, “Sir ... always give us this bread” (v. 34). They were still thinking about themselves, expressing their desire for perpetual meal service and not yet recognizing the spiritual significance of Jesus’ words.

Jesus then made His most direct statement: “I am the bread of life.” He also added thirst to the metaphor. By coupling hunger and thirst, combined with the previous food miracle that had started the entire sequence, Jesus underscored His ultimate goal even more strongly. Jesus promised, “Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (v. 35).


Jesus appealed to His hearers to rise above focusing on themselves and their temporal desires for immediate gratification. He promised eternal satisfaction to every person who believes in Him—an infinitely more significant gift than food and drink.

John 6:36-40
36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

After rebuking His followers’ selfishness, Jesus sought to teach them the truth by highlighting two key elements of God’s work in accomplishing salvation.
 

First, our salvation is based on God’s initiative: “All those the Father gives me will come to me” (v.37). While it is essential for people to repent (see Acts 2:38) and place their faith in Christ to experience salvation (see Eph. 2:8-9), God always takes the first step in the salvation process. He sent Jesus as our Savior, empowered His resurrection, and assured His ascension. God’s plan for salvation has been set in place since before He created the world (see Eph. 1:4-5).



Still, acknowledging God’s initiative doesn’t diminish our need to respond. God prompts, convicts, and draws people to Himself. Yet repentance and faith are also biblical essentials for salvation. God invites people into a relationship with Him, and that relationship is sealed through our repentance and faith.

Second, Jesus taught that our relationship with God is permanent: “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (v. 37).


“And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day” (v. 39). 

Remember that the permanence we enjoy in our relationship with God is guaranteed by His power, not our efforts. God draws people into salvation and then sustains their eternal relationship with Him.

Nothing at all can threaten your relationship with Jesus (see Rom. 8:38-39). We can finally find true contentment when we base our lifestyle choices on this profound truth. We are no longer hungry, thirsty people striving to satisfy eternal cravings with earthly possessions, achievements, or accomplishments. We are secure in God through our connection to Jesus Christ.

LIVE IT OUT
How will you respond to the Bread of life this week? Consider the following options for seeking out even greater contentment: 

• Give it up. Identify something temporary you have been pursuing as a means of security—a possession, an achievement, an accomplishment, and so on. Stop your pursuit. Repent and ask God to grant you true contentment in Jesus.

• Give thanks. Commit to expressing gratitude this week when others serve or bless you. Thankfulness is a great way to avoid self-centeredness and promote satisfaction.

• Give it away. Volunteer with a ministry that serves others in need. While doing so, share the gospel with someone by using this Scripture passage to help them understand true satisfaction comes from Jesus Christ.

As a follower of Christ, you have access to more than you could ever hope for. Your security as a believer is eternal. You received it on the day you were saved, not on the day you die. Everything you need, and so much more, can be found in Jesus. 

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Our Lesson Today:

Man in a Hurry

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                          NEED FOR CONTENTMENT



Do any of you remember a short story in high school English called “The Necklace”. It’s about a young French woman who yearns to be in high society. She and her husband get invited to a swanky party, and she buys a new dress for the occasion, but she feels she needs some fancy jewelry to complete it. She borrows an expensive diamond necklace from a well-to-do friend, but ends up losing it. Her husband finds one exactly like it and purchases it for $6,000. He has to borrow money to pay for it, and it takes them years to retire the debt. Sometime later, the lady encounters the woman from whom she borrowed the necklace, and decides to tell her the whole story. To her surprise, she finds out that the necklace she lost was only a fake, and it was worth no more than $85.

“That is a parable about our life today. We labor for food that perishes, for things that have no permanent value. And like the couple in the story we give the best years of our lives working for things that are worthless.”

In our lesson today, we see some people who had followed Jesus all the way across the Sea of Galilee in hopes that He would feed them again. He used this occasion to teach them about the meaning of true contentment.

Our lesson opens with a question: When have you recently had too much of a good thing? And the thought being that - People today can’t seem to be satisfied with what they have – they always want more:

• Look at how many TV channels in the average home - 189. Look at the TV size now in the average home – 60”.
• It not enough to have a car – we need a big car and a fancy one too.
• Look at your fast food meals - we have to “Biggie Size” it!
• People are convinced that more is always better, bigger is always best, and getting our way always equals prosperity and happiness. It’s easy to believe that if we race to the top, gain all the privileges, or have the most money—we will finally be satisfied.

Jesus opens this series this morning by addressing this need for satisfaction with our need for contentment. He says I AM the Bread of life who gives you true satisfaction!



I. Dissatisfied - John 6:26-27
26Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

During the presidential campaign of 1928, a circular published by the Republican Party claimed that if Herbert Hoover won there would be “a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage.” He won a landslide victory over Alfred Smith, but the Republican Party's promise of prosperity was derailed seven months after Hoover took the oath of office. The stock market crash of 1929 plunged the country into the Great Depression and people eventually lost confidence in Hoover.

• One of the lessons we talked about in our last series had to do with making promises!
• What promises are being made in this year’s election?

Why were the people looking for Jesus?

• Jesus had just recently fed thousands with five loaves and two fish, and many of that same crowd followed Him across the Sea of Galilee. They were surprised to find Him at Capernaum. They knew He was not with His disciples when they left in a boat, and no other boats had left the dock (v. 22). Jesus had crossed the sea on foot (vv. 18-21).
• Jesus never promised prosperity, but He did something for the people that led them to think prosperity was just around the corner. There’s a problem with the kind of prosperity the people expected from Jesus: it doesn’t last. Sure, the miracle provided a great meal for one day, but the people were hungry again the next day.
• The wonderful things Jesus does for us are signs of who He is as God’s revelation of Himself to us.

Why did Jesus reject the people that were looking for Him?

• Jesus knew they were seeking Him for the wrong reason. He had fed them the day before, and now they wanted breakfast. Physical food only satisfies for a short time. The fact that the people were hungry again proved His point. Jesus urged them to seek for spiritual food that truly satisfies. This kind of food comes only from Jesus.
• In verses 26-27, Jesus confronted their misplaced priorities. The miracle of the loaves and fishes was supposed to draw people to God, not motivate them to trail after Jesus in search of a perpetual buffet. The people were pursuing “food that spoils,” but Jesus had come to offer “food that endures,” meaning eternal life, as a gift from God through the “Son of Man”—Jesus Himself.

Why do people seek satisfaction in things that don’t last?

• People today often struggle with the same misplaced priorities. When we try to satisfy our deepest needs with bigger TVs, sportier cars, or fancier clothes, we waste our time and only become more frustrated. We think such material things will give us the security and significance that only comes through a relationship with Jesus.
• We need to get off the “get more” treadmill and enjoy the eternal satisfaction only Jesus provides.
• We act foolishly when we spend all our energy and effort to acquire things that do not last.
• For what true purpose should they have been seeking Jesus?
• We are admonished to focus our attention, our efforts, and our energy on that which Jesus gives to us – that is, everlasting life.

II. Complete Satisfaction - John 6:35
35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

How had the people continued to misunderstand what Jesus was saying?

• So the Jews ask Jesus for a sign that He was sent from God (as if the miraculous feeding and the walking across the water weren’t enough). The people misunderstood what Jesus meant. They asked Him for a sign. This was a foolish request, since they had just seen Him do a miracle the day before. They mentioned that Moses had provided manna for the Israelites.
• He accuses the crowd of ignoring His miraculous signs and only following Him for the “free meal.” He accuses the crowd of ignoring His miraculous signs and only following Him for the “free meal.”The crowd had already seen extraordinary things, but apparently that wasn’t enough. They asked Jesus what sign He planned to offer so they might believe in Him. They mentioned God’s earlier provision of manna for their forefathers, as if to say Jesus’ recent culinary miracle was not all that special. They wanted Jesus to do a real miracle to establish His credibility.
• We often exhibit the same self-centeredness. We ask God to prove Himself by meeting our needs or by intervening in our lives. We ignore all God has already accomplished—both through the work of Jesus and in our lives over the years—when we require God to act “in the moment” before we affirm faith in Him.
• In response, the people cried out, “Sir ... always give us this bread” (v. 34). They were still thinking about themselves, expressing their desire for perpetual meal service and not yet recognizing the spiritual significance of Jesus’ words. Jesus then made His most direct statement: “I am the bread of life.” He also added thirst to the metaphor. By coupling hunger and thirst, combined with the previous food miracle that had started the entire sequence, Jesus underscored His ultimate goal even more strongly. Jesus promised, “Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (v. 35).

How did Jesus use the conversation about bread to teach the people something about who He is?

• They were so enthralled with the food, they were missing out on the fact that their Messiah had come.
• Jesus clarified that God, not Moses, had given manna to the Israelites. However, that was nothing compared to the kind of “bread” Jesus had to offer. Jesus doesn’t just give everlasting food; He is the everlasting food (the word “I” is emphatic in the original Greek language). He satisfies our deepest needs. Our need for forgiveness. Our need for significance. Our need to be loved. Our need for hope beyond this life.
• Jesus appealed to His hearers to rise above focusing on themselves and their temporal desires for immediate gratification. He promised eternal satisfaction to every person who believes in Him—an infinitely more significant gift than food and drink.

Why was bread a fitting metaphor for Jesus to use to identify Himself in relationship to humankind?

• Jesus declared that God had given them “the true bread from heaven” and further clarified, “the bread of God is the bread who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (vv. 32-33).
• John 6:35 says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” Bread is considered a staple food—i.e., a basic dietary item. A person can survive a long time on only bread and water. Bread is such a basic food item that it becomes synonymous for food in general. We even use the phrase “breaking bread together” to indicate the sharing of a meal with someone. Bread also plays an integral part of the Jewish Passover meal. The Jews were to eat unleavened bread during the Passover feast and then for seven days following as a celebration of the exodus from Egypt. Finally, when the Jews were wandering in the desert for 40 years, God rained down “bread from heaven” to sustain the nation (Exodus 16:4).

Even though everlasting life is a gift, what are we to do to obtain it?

• We receive the gift of life when we come to Jesus and believe fully on Him.

What words indicate that Jesus satisfies completely?

• Jesus is what we need and all we need to have eternal life. In Jesus, we find complete spiritual satisfaction.

III. True Contentment - John 6:36-40
36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”


What was the critical issue with which Jesus confronted the people?


After rebuking His followers’ selfishness, Jesus sought to teach them the truth by highlighting two key elements of God’s work in accomplishing salvation.

1. Our salvation is based on God’s initiative. “All those the Father gives me will come to me” (v.37). While it is essential for people to repent (see Acts 2:38) and place their faith in Christ to experience salvation (see Eph. 2:8-9), God always takes the first step in the salvation process. He sent Jesus as our Savior, empowered His resurrection, and assured His ascension. God’s plan for salvation has been set in place since before He created the world (see Eph. 1:4-5).

Salvation becomes real for us when we respond to God’s initiative by believing in Christ. God prompts, convicts, and draws people to Himself. Yet repentance and faith are also biblical essentials for salvation. God invites people into a relationship with Him, and that relationship is sealed through our repentance and faith.

2. Jesus taught that our relationship with God is permanent. “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (v. 37). “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day” (v. 39). Remember that the permanence we enjoy in our relationship with God is guaranteed by His power, not our efforts. God draws people into salvation and then sustains their eternal relationship with Him.

Nothing at all can threaten your relationship with Jesus (see Rom. 8:38-39). We can finally find true contentment when we base our lifestyle choices on this profound truth. We are no longer hungry, thirsty people striving to satisfy eternal cravings with earthly possessions, achievements, or accomplishments. We are secure in God through our connection to Jesus Christ. In Christ, we are forever secure; nothing can take us away from Him. In Christ, we have the promise of the resurrection to eternal life.


Conclusion: Another presidential election year is upon us, and we’re already hearing all kinds of promises from the candidates. They promise to fix the economy and take care of terrorists and bring necessary reforms to the government. Certainly I believe Christians ought to do their civic duty and vote, but we need to keep things in the right perspective. Unfortunately, politicians have a long history of making grandiose promises and not keeping them. Will Rogers used to say politicians “go in on promises and come out on alibis.” He said if we got one-tenth of what they promised us, there would be no inducement to go to heaven! Besides, even when political leaders have the best of intentions, they’re only capable of doing so much. They may satisfy some people for the short term, but they can’t bring us true contentment.

I’m glad to know that our world is not ultimately in the hands of politicians. In Him we have everything we need. This world may be unfair, but we can rest in the assurance that He will win the final victory (John 16:33). In the meantime, we can trust Him to provide for our needs and give us the necessary strength to face the trials of this world. Through Jesus Christ, we can find true and lasting contentment.


Prayer of Commitment

Feed me, Lord, with the Bread of Life, for only then can I know satisfaction and contentment fully sufficient for eternity. Amen.

Hope to see everyone on Sunday!


In His Love,


David & Susan