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Day 1

Understand their story

Note: You might have noticed that John 7:53-8:11 is not being covered in our devotional guide. The reason for this is because it is not contained in the earliest and best manuscripts and was almost certainly not an original part of the Gospel of John. If you have more questions, feel free to read this article from Gotquestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/John-7-53-8-11.html

Read John 8:12-30. 

  • This week’s passage continues with Jesus and the Pharisees interacting within the Temple.
    • When did these events take place?  (Hint: look back to John 7:2, 14, 37 to refresh)
    • Where in the Temple did this take place? (v 20)

 

  • The location and events add insight to Jesus’ claim in John 8:12.
  • What does Jesus say about himself?
    • How must people respond? 
  • What hope does he offer for those who follow? 

 

  • The Pharisees challenge Jesus’ credibility to make these divine claims (similar to John 5:18-47)
    • What does he say about his testimony? 
    • How does Jesus describe their judgment? 
    • How does Jesus describe his judgment? 
    • Who does Jesus appeal to as a witness?

 

The Pharisees are challenged by Jesus’ testimony. There are many people in our lives who would be challenged by his claims and would question the validity of Jesus’ testimony. Pray in supplication that their hearts would be softened and their eyes would be opened to the identity of Jesus – the light of the world!

 

Day 2

Understand their story

Read John 8:12-30 again. 

  • The Pharisees are often left confused by Jesus’ claims and are unable to correctly identify Jesus as God because of their spiritual blindness.  As a result they miss the greater realities that Jesus is trying to explain. 
    • This is seen in their asking of questions like “Where is your Father?”
      • What connection does Jesus make between the knowledge of him and the Father?
    • Jesus then provides a clear warning regarding their spiritual status but doesn’t leave them without hope.
  • What is his warning? (v 21, 24)
  • How must people respond in order to be saved from their sin? 
  • What future event does Jesus point to as a final confirmation of his divine nature? 

Pray today in supplication for those in your life and spheres that do not know Jesus. Pray that they may hear His words and believe his offer of salvation!

Day 3

Connect to His story

      • In verse 25, the Pharisees ask Jesus the all important question of “Who are you?”. Jesus’ repeated use of “I am” as well as his reference to being “the light of the world” point to the Old Testament. 
        • Read Exodus 3:13-14
          • What title does God give himself? 
        • Read Exodus 13:21-22 and 30:34-38
      • Recall that Jesus makes his claim during the Feast of Booths which commemorates Israel’s time in the wilderness. 
        • Who was leading the people of Israel, and how was he leading them through the wilderness?
      • By claiming to be the light, what connection was Jesus making with the pillar of fire? 
      • What do these connections ultimately reveal about Jesus’ identity? 
      • Read the following passages and observe what we learn about the “light”.
        • Psalm 27:1
          •  In this Psalm who is the light?
        •  Isaiah 42:1-9
          • Who is this about? (see 42:1)
          • What do we learn about the light? (42: 6-7)

      Pray in adoration of the giver of life! Jesus is the Son of God. He is the servant prophesied of in Isaiah 42. He is the light of life! Those who follow him will never walk in darkness! 

Day 4

Connect to His story

          • Jesus highlights the fact that there is separation between him and his listeners because of sin. Apostle Paul reiterates this within his letter to the Ephesians.
          • Read Ephesians 2:1-10  
            • How does this passage describe our human state before God’s intervention?
            • How are we brought out of our deadness? 
          • Read Ephesians 4:17-24
            • How does Paul describe those who are alienated from God?
            • What does Paul call the believer to abandon? 
            • What new activity is desired for the believer? 

          Pray in thanksgiving – give thanks for God’s miraculous intervention and grace in your life! Pray in confession – confess ways in which you may continue to gratify your “old self”. Pray in supplication – pray that the Spirit would continue to renew you and empower you to follow the light of life!

Day 5

Apply to our story

  • Read John 8:12-30 one final time. 

 

  • Jesus gives two direct commands within this passage – follow (v 12)  and believe (v 24)! 
    • Do you believe? Have the truths of this passage cemented into your heart? 
    • Do you follow? What in your life do you need to surrender to his leading?

 

Pray that the Spirit would empower you to both believe and follow!