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Discussion questions

​These questions can be used by you alone, with a friend, or your Faith Group to discuss "Stepping Into The Light" preached March 16, 2025. This is the second message in the series "I Am: Jesus is His Own Words." 

In this Lent series we invite you on a thoughtful journey into the heart of Christ’s identity through His own powerful declarations. Each week, we'll explore one of Jesus' profound "I Am" statements from the Gospel of John, discovering how Jesus uniquely fulfills our deepest spiritual longings and needs. These messages will lead us into deeper reflection and intimacy with Jesus, challenging us to encounter Him afresh and experience His transforming presence in our lives. Join us as we listen closely to who Jesus says He is, preparing our hearts for the celebration of His resurrection at Easter. 

Open your group with a prayer. Use these questions as a guide; select the points you want to discuss.

GETTING STARTED  

Before we dive into the words of Jesus in John 8:12, let’s warm up with some lighthearted questions about darkness and light in everyday life. These questions are meant to be fun and engaging—so don’t overthink them, just jump in!

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  1. What’s the worst thing you’ve ever stepped on in the dark? (Bonus points if it involved LEGOs!)

  2. If you had to spend the night in total darkness or in a room that was way too bright, which would you choose and why?

  3. What’s your funniest or most embarrassing “stumbling around in the dark” story?

  4. If you could glow like a glow stick anytime you wanted, when would you use that ability the most?

  5. What’s your favorite source of light—a sunrise, a campfire, Christmas lights, or something else? Why?

 

Digging Deeper
Now that we've had some fun, let’s turn our focus to Jesus' powerful statement in John 8:12. In this section, we’ll explore what it means that Jesus is the Light of the World. These questions will help us unpack the sermon’s key points, examine Scripture, and gain a deeper understanding of Jesus' identity, mission, and invitation.

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Jesus Is the Light That Reveals (His Identity)

  1. When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), He wasn’t just using poetic language—He was making a bold claim. Why was this statement so shocking to His audience?

  2. The setting of John 8:12 was the Feast of Tabernacles, where giant menorahs were lit in the Temple Court. How does this historical backdrop make Jesus' words even more powerful?

  3. Read Exodus 13:21-22. How did God use light to lead His people in the wilderness, and how does that connect to Jesus’ claim in John 8:12?

  4. In Exodus 3:14, God revealed Himself to Moses as “I AM.” When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” how was He connecting Himself to God’s divine name?

  5. Read John 1:4-5 and John 1:9. What do these verses teach us about Jesus as the Light, and how does that shape our understanding of who He is?

 

Jesus Is the Light That Rescues (His Mission)

  1. Darkness in the Bible often symbolizes sin, ignorance, and separation from God. What are some ways spiritual darkness affects people today?

  2. The ninth plague in Egypt was a darkness that could be felt (Exodus 10:21-23). What does that story reveal about the difference between those who know God and those who don’t?

  3. Read Colossians 1:13-14. How does Paul describe the rescue mission of Jesus, and how does it connect with the imagery of darkness and light?

  4. In John 8:12, Jesus said, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.” What does it actually mean to follow Jesus? Is it more than just believing in Him?

 

Jesus Is the Light That Restores (His Invitation)

  1. The Chilean miners were completely helpless until a rescue came from above. How is that story a picture of our need for Jesus?

  2. Read Ephesians 5:8-9. What does it mean to live as people of the light? How is this different from just knowing about the light?

  3. Jesus didn’t just come to show the way—He came to be the way. Read John 12:46. How does this verse reinforce the invitation Jesus offers in John 8:12?

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Living It Out
We’ve explored what it means that Jesus is the Light of the World, but now comes the most important part—how do we live in that light? These questions will help us wrestle with the realities of following Jesus, sharing His light with others, and walking in His truth daily. Let’s be honest about the challenges, the joys, and the real-life struggles of living out our faith.

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  1. Think about a time when you felt spiritually “in the dark.” What helped you find your way back to the light of Christ?

  2. Jesus calls us to follow Him so that we never walk in darkness. What are some practical ways you can stay close to His light when life feels overwhelming or confusing?

  3. We live in a world where many people are comfortable in spiritual darkness. What makes it hard to share the light of Christ with others? What fears or obstacles get in the way?

  4. When have you seen someone’s life radically change because they stepped into the light of Jesus? How did it impact you?

  5. Lent is a season of refocusing and stepping more fully into God’s light. What is one distraction or habit you feel led to give up or change to grow closer to Jesus during this time?

  6. Ephesians 5:8 tells us to “live as people of light.” In your workplace, home, or friendships, what does that actually look like? What’s the biggest challenge you face in doing this?

  7. We are called to reflect Jesus’ light in dark places. Who in your life needs to see His light right now? How can you be intentional this week about showing Christ’s love to them?

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