John 8:12-59

Fighting over Truth, Freedom, and the Way to Life

Open Discussion:

-Share a time when you have argued or fought with others. What was the argument about?
-Are there things or issues  worth getting in heated arguments over?  What are they and why are they worth it?

Text Questions:
-Read the WHOLE passage.  There are a few different issues being argued over. What are they?
 Why  are these so important for Jesus and the Jewish leaders?

-Do you think these issues are worth the fight? Why can’t Jesus and the Jewish leaders be nicer to each other. Why don’t they just love each other enough to agree to disagree?

-Verses 12-20 – Why does Jesus consider his testimony valid? How would you respond if you were a Jewish leader?

-Verses 21-30 – Why do you think many people believed in him as he was saying these things?

-Verses 31 is confusing.   He is getting in an argument with the ones who believe in him?

-Verse 33 – Are they Jews right in saying this? Why do you think they said this?

-The people assumed that being the children of Abraham made them the children of God. Jesus seems to be saying that this isn’t true. Does the church have similar assumptions about what it means to be God’s children today?

-Jesus brings up sin a few times v24-25, 34-36. What does he mean by “dead in your sins?”

-Are there “religious” lies that many of us in the church believe today to which Jesus was vehemently disagree with us?

-In 32-57 Jesus has many accusations against the Jewish leaders. What are they?

–Why do they accuse Jesus of having a demon? And why do they want to stone him?

Reflection Question:

Consider what things in life are worth fighting for. Can we expect conflict when fighting over things like the way, the truth and the life?
-Are there times where we should be this combative and times when we should accuse others the way Jesus does? When do you think those times are and with who