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I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

May 31 | Discipleship Guide

Be Real Together:

Take a few minutes to catch up, tell stories, and laugh together.
If you’re launching a new Group, trust and friendship take time to build. Take turns each week having someone share a bit of their story.

Read Together: John 8:12–20 CSB

In the middle of the Feast of Tabernacles—a celebration filled with reminders of how God led Israel through the wilderness with a pillar of fire—Jesus makes a shocking declaration: “I am the light of the world.” He isn't merely offering wisdom, guidance, or another path forward. He is claiming to be the very presence of God who leads people out of darkness and into life. Jesus doesn't simply point us toward the light; He IS the light. And His invitation is not just to admire Him from a distance, but to follow Him closely, walk in His light, and reflect that light into a dark world.

The One Question:
If you only have time for one question, ask this one.

In verse 12, Jesus says "Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." What does this mean and how have you experienced this?

Grow Together:
Use these questions to go deeper with your Group or for personal reflection.

  1. What stands out to you most in John 8:12–20?
  2. When Jesus says, “I am the light of the world," what do you think His original audience would have heard in that statement during the Feast of Tabernacles?
  3. The Pharisees questioned Jesus' testimony, but Jesus allowed His life and the Father's testimony to speak for themselves. What aspects of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection most strengthen your confidence in who He claims to be?
  4. Pastor Sean said, "There are no substitutes for the Light of the World." What are some things people commonly look to for purpose, identity, or fulfillment instead of Jesus? What are you tempted to look to?
  5. Jesus says, "I am the light of the world," and later tells His followers, "You are the light of the world." How does walking in His light enable us to reflect His light to others?
  6. Pastor Sean described the soul like a house with rooms that Jesus wants to bring into the light. Is there an area of your life you've been tempted to keep hidden instead of surrendering to Him?

Pray Together:

  • Thank Jesus for being the Light of the World and for leading us out of darkness and into life.
  • Confess any areas where you've looked to something other than Jesus for direction, purpose, or hope.
  • Ask God to reveal any parts of your life that need to be brought into the light.
  • Pray for a deeper desire to follow Jesus closely rather than simply admire Him from a distance.
  • Ask God to help you reflect His light into your home, workplace, relationships, and community.

Next Steps:

  • Step into the light: Identify one area of your life you've been avoiding, hiding, or struggling with and bring it honestly before God this week.
  • Stay close: Set aside intentional time each day this week to be with Jesus through prayer and Scripture.
  • Follow, don't just admire: Ask yourself daily this week, "What is one way I can actively follow Jesus today?"
  • Practice confession: Share a struggle or burden with a trusted believer rather than carrying it alone in the dark.
  • Replace a substitute: Identify one thing you've been looking to for meaning, security, or identity and intentionally refocus your attention on Christ.
  • Reflect the light: Look for one opportunity this week to bring the hope of Jesus into someone's life.
  • Remember who guides you: When anxiety, confusion, or uncertainty rises, pause and pray, "Jesus, You are the light of my world. Lead me."