NT Fire Starters – Day 137: John 8:12-30

READ: John 8:12-30

THINK: A lot of people talk about God, claiming to believe in Him. Many say they pray. Some even give God credit for their abilities and accomplishments–even if those accomplishments compromise Biblical principles. Yet, for all of the talk about “God,” Jesus’ name seldom comes up in the same context. So where do they get their perception of God? If you get it from the Bible, it’s tough to miss the fact that we can’t relate to the Father apart from Jesus. As God’s only Son, Jesus is the One who reflects and reveals what His Father is like. In fact, Jesus is himself God, with all the authority and attributes of His Father. You can’t take Jesus out of the God equation without arriving at the wrong answer.

RESPOND: What does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the light of the world,” and that those who follow Him will never walk in darkness? (See 8:12 note.) Since Jesus already stated that His Father has entrusted all judgment to Him (cf. John 5:22), what did He mean when He said, “I pass judgment on no one”? (See 8:15 note.) What does Jesus imply by saying, “If you knew me, you would know my Father also” (v. 19)? In what ways does it challenge and inspire you when Jesus says, “If you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins” (v. 24)? What can you take personally from the fact that Jesus said, “I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me” (v. 28)? Even though Jesus is God and equal with His Father, why did He have to depend completely on the Father? In what way does this challenge you? In what way does verse 29 present both comfort and challenge?

PRAY: Thank Jesus for providing spiritual light in your life. Pray that you remain dependent on God for guidance regarding what to say and do so you can influence others to accept and depend on Christ.

ACT: Practice going through the day with your spiritual eyes and ears open, looking for God’s direction and listening for His voice. Go with a sense of being in constant communication with God, praying silently when necessary and audibly when possible. But keep in mind that the most vital part of communicating with God is listening and responding to His guidance. Say and do whatever you sense God telling you to do.