Keltys Worship Service, September 29, 2024

Pastor Chris Taylor

Series Title: Behold and Believe

Text: John 8:12

Title: The Light of the World

Big Idea: Come to Jesus, the light, for life!

A Quick Word on Textual Criticism

“The earliest manuscripts do not include 7:53-8:11.”

“The average classical Greek writer has less than 20 copies of his works still in existence.” – Dan Wallace

John 8:12 – Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

1. Jesus’ words declare the _________ of the time.

See Isaiah 59:9-10; 60:1-3

2. Jesus’ words declare His _________ as God and Messiah.

See Psalm 27:1; 1 John 1:5; Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 49:6

3. Jesus’ words declare the ___________ of His coming.

See Colossians 1:13-14

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” — C.S. Lewis

4. Jesus’ words demand a ___________.

5. Jesus’ words include a ____________.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is Textual Criticism?
2. Why should we not treat John 7:53-8:11 as part of the original text of John’s gospel?
3. Based on what was discussed today, why can we be confident of what the original text of the Bible said?
4. What do Jesus’ words in John 8:12 teach us about the reality of the time?
5. What do we learn about Jesus’ identity in John 8:12?
6. What was Jesus’ purpose in coming according to John 8:12?
7. What response does Jesus call for in our passage?
8. What is the promise made?

Application Questions:

1. What is the evidence in your own life that you are following Jesus?
2. How are you helping others follow Him?
3. How might you use this verse to share the gospel with an unbelieving friend?
4. How might we prayerfully apply today’s passage?