Week 8 – John chapter 8 Jesus is God—the Eternal Son

Chapters 7 and 8 together give an account of Jesus’ teaching during the Feast of Tabernacles. Chapter 7 reports how the Pharisees were making plans to arrest Jesus; Chapter 8 describes how the Pharisees’ opposition to Jesus escalates further. The powerful story of Jesus’ grace toward the woman caught in adultery seems to be an insertion that interrupts the flow of the account of the events at the Feast of Tabernacles. Nevertheless, this dramatic story highlights an important lesson for us: the grace that God extends is greater than all our sin.

1. Read John 8:1-11 Jesus Shows Compassion to a Sinful Woman

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees wanted to set a trap for Jesus—to force Him to contradict the Old Testament Law—the Law of Moses.

a. Describe the scene—the time of day, the setting, and the people who were present. (John 8:2)

The Pharisees and teachers of the law interrupted this assembly by bringing before Jesus a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. The Jews demanded that Jesus affirm the penalty that the Law of Moses prescribed.

b. How did Jesus deflect their demand and what was the result? (John 8:7-9)

c. What virtues are expressed in Jesus’ final words to the woman? (John 8:11)

d. How does John 3:17-18 add to your understanding of this account?

e. For Personal Reflection: None of us would want to see our sin exposed. Jesus affirms that all who come to Him are fully forgiven (John 3:18). Jesus paid our penalty at the cross, and through faith in Him we stand fully forgiven. Think about this great gift that has been given personally to you. Take a moment to pray and to thank God for His Son, and that His grace is greater than our sin. God has freely forgiven you. Will you choose this day to forgive those who have wronged you in the past? This is a hard challenge. Do you have any encouragement for those in your group who may find this difficult to do?

In last week’s lesson we read about the water ceremony that took place during the Feast of Tabernacles—a celebration of gratitude for God’s provision of water during Israel’s journey through the wilderness. In John 7, Jesus proclaimed that He had come to provide a different kind of water from God—living water—referring to the life-giving Holy Spirit. During the Feast of Tabernacles there was also a light ceremony. At dusk, the priests would light four huge lampstands in the temple court, each lampstand bearing four bowls filled with oil. All of Jerusalem was illuminated throughout the night by these blazing lamps. This was to celebrate God’s provision of His presence with His people, guiding them by a pillar of light through the darkness as He led them toward the Promised Land. Now in John 8, Jesus proclaims that He has come to provide a different kind of light.

2. Read John 8:12-30 I AM the Light of the World

a. The second of the “I AM” sayings of Jesus is given in John 8:12. What is that

statement, and what benefit does Jesus provide for those who follow Him?

b. The term “light” is a multi-faceted metaphor that informs us of deep truths

about Jesus as God the Son who has come into the world. How do the following references to “light” add to your understanding:

i. John 1:4-5

ii. John 3:19-21

iii. John 12:44-46

c. In response to the Pharisees’ rejection of Him, what additional information does Jesus supply about His identity? (John 8:23-24, 28-29)

d. For personal reflection: When you need wisdom to handle the hard challenges of life, what are your “go-to” sources of advice? Google? YouTube? Your BFF? God’s Word is packed with wisdom for living. God’s Word is a sufficient revelation of God’s plan and purpose—but we fail to give it the priority it should have in our everyday lives. How can you make the enjoyment and study of God’s Word a daily priority in your life?

3. Read John 8:31-47 True children of God will love Jesus a. John 8:32a is inscribed on the face of the Main Building at the University of

Texas. It’s an inspiring quote from the lips of Jesus, but it’s not about education. What does Jesus actually say in John 8:31-32?

ØFor deeper thought: Jesus is the light who has come to dispel the world’s darkness. To what does the metaphor “darkness” refer? What various aspects of life in this modern world would you characterize as “darkness”?

b. Now that you’ve see this famous quote in its Bible context, what is your

understanding of the “truth” that Jesus refers to? (John 8:28)

c. In what way will this “truth” set you free? (John 8:34-36,47; also Romans 8:1-5)

d. What is the basis for the Jews’ misplaced confidence in their standing before God? (John 8:33,39)

e. What devastating charges does Jesus bring against those who refuse to hear Him? (John 8:39-40,44,47)

4. Read John 8:48-59 Jesus is eternally God the Son; He is I AM a. How does John 3:16-17 clarify your understanding of Jesus’ claim in John 8:51?

b. What does Jesus reveal about His relationship with God? (John 8:54-56)

In John 8:58, Jesus repeats the claim He has affirmed twice before (verses 24 and 28) in this chapter: “I am He!” Jesus echoes the language of Exodus 3:13-14 when God declared His Name to Moses. Jesus proclaims that He is God the Son—the eternal Word who is from everlasting to everlasting, God.

c. For Personal reflection: How does today’s lesson expand your thinking about

Jesus?

Jesus is the Light from God that brings us Life