Looking Above - Episode 4
This week we'll discuss John chapters 7 &8. We see Jesus teaching and interacting with religious leaders. He also interacts with the woman caught in adultery and declares himself the Light of the World.
Discuss these chapters with a friend or your small group:
- Talk about the difference between living in judgement of others and living in such a way that your life is an accusation. What does living as light look like?
- Jesus did not often live up to the expectations of others, instead living according to His Father's plan. What could living like this look like for you?
- Discuss how you are prone to judge based on actions rather than intent. Has this ever gotten you in trouble? How can you look beyond actions?
- Was there anything Jesus said in these chapters that surprised you?
- Take a look at these passages and compare to chapter 7 verses 37&38 (Isaiah 55:1, Zechariah 14:8, Ezekiel 47:9, Joel 3:18, Isaiah 33:21)
- Consider the temple guard's reaction ( John 7:46). What is something that Jesus said that has greatly impacted your life?
- How do we avoid behaving elitist like the Pharisees? How can we love and show grace to those who "know" less than we do?
- Discuss the interaction with the woman caught in adultery. How did Jesus and the Pharisees use their authority differently? How might we interact differently with "sinners"?
- Throughout these chapters, people believe because they hear the words of Jesus. How do your words affect others?
- How has the truth set you free? Respond to the quote from Barclay's commentary and the four ways we are freed.
- Do you quickly believe Jesus' words as truth or are your more skeptical? What does this tell you about your heart?
- Who are you more like - your earthly father or your Heavenly Father?
