1. In order to accomplish the growth commanded in 2 Peter 3:18 we must go to the right source for information -- the Gospel of John is a tremendous source. 2. We are continuing our study of John 8 in which Jesus identified Himself as "the light of the world." 3. We learn from John 8:1-11 that Jesus was teaching in the temple when the scribes and Pharisees confronted Him. a. They wanted Jesus to pass judgment on a woman caught in adultery. b. The Lord answered them in such a way that they all left. c. Jesus spoke beautiful words to the woman in vs.11. 4. In this lesson we are covering the information presented in John 8:12-30.
Discussion:
I. (John 8:12) AS JESUS RESUMED HIS TEACHING HE IDENTIFIED HIMSELF AS "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"
A. Earlier, Jesus identified Himself as "the bread of life" (John 6:35), but many people did not comprehend His words (John 6:41-42, 66). B. Many people did not comprehend the Lord's claim to "the light of the world" (John 1:4-5). C. The good news is that those who follow Jesus will have "the light of life."
II. (John 8:13-18) JESUS RESPONDED TO THOSE WHO QUESTIONED HIS RECORD OF HIMSELF
A. (vs.13) The Pharisees accused Jesus of giving a false record of His identity. B. (vs.14-18) In His response Jesus showed how the Father bore witness of Him. C. Jesus dealt with this issue earlier in John 5:36-38. D. Many people rejected the evidence concerning the Lord's identity.
III. (John 8:19-30) JESUS CONTINUED BY EXPLAINING HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER
A. After Jesus showed how the Father bore witness of Him, in vs.19a the Jews asked, "Where is thy Father?" B. (vs.19b) If these people had properly identified Jesus they would have known that He came from the Father. C. According to vs.20, the Lord's words were not spoken in secret. D. (vs.21) Jesus stated again that He would be leaving, as He had earlier taught in John 7:28-29, 33-34. E. The response of the Jews in vs.22 indicates that they did not understand the Lord's statements. F. (vs.23-24) Jesus revealed the penalty for refusing to believe on Him. G. (vs.25-27) Even though Jesus spoke the words He heard from the Father, many did not understand. H. (vs.28-29) Jesus revealed how the Jews would know that He came from the Father. I. (vs.30) At this point "many believed on Him."
