Standing with Jesus: Receiving & Sharing His Light

Jesus declares Himself to be the light of the world in the middle of a dark and divided religious system, offering hope, truth, and life to everyone - not just a select few. Set during the Feast of Tabernacles, this moment reveals how Jesus intentionally brings light into places of exclusion, deception, and spiritual blindness, confronting both obvious and subtle forms of darkness. His light exposes false teaching, empty religion, and hidden sin, while inviting all people into the grace, forgiveness, and new life that come through belief in Him. Those who receive His light are called not only to live in it, but to tend it through prayer, Scripture, and faithful obedience, so it doesn’t fade into embers. As followers of Jesus, the call is clear: receive His light, let it transform us, and let it shine boldly so that others can find hope in a dark world.

Discussion questions:

1. Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” Based on this message, what does it mean for Jesus to be light in a practical, everyday sense? Where do you see people (or culture) trying to find light apart from Him?

2. The sermon described darkness as both obvious and subtle (deception, gossip, envy, false teaching, hidden struggles). Which forms of darkness are easiest for you to overlook in your own life, and why do you think that is?

3. Using the fire illustration, where would you honestly say your spiritual life is right now—burning strong, steady, or down to embers? What has contributed most to that current state?

4. What spiritual disciplines or habits help keep your “fire” burning brightly? Which one do you sense God inviting you to intentionally strengthen or restart this week?

5. Jesus calls His followers to be light in a dark world. Who is one person or situation in your life right now where God may be asking you to visibly live out His light through love, truth, or kindness? What would one simple step of obedience look like this week?