WEEK 21.7 Discussion questions below.Episode SummaryIn this Week 21 Explore episode, Nick and Jamie dive into John 8:12-30, examining Jesus's bold declaration "I am the light of the world" and the escalating confrontation with religious leaders. They explore what it truly means to follow Jesus, moving beyond rule-following to relationship and abiding. The hosts discuss how Jesus responds to three major critiques from the Pharisees, demonstrating remarkable confidence rooted in his identity and mission.Key PointsJesus's "I am the light of the world" statement builds on the Feast of Tabernacles' illumination ceremonyFollowing Jesus requires relationship and abiding, not just rule-keeping or imitationThe light of life comes after we choose to follow Jesus, not beforeJesus faces three critiques: lack of witnesses, questions about his birth, and demands for his identityThe target of life isn't behavioral perfection but abiding relationship with JesusJesus's motivation is making God happy, offering a positive approach to Christian livingTime Stamps00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:21 Excursus Episode Announcement00:55 Recap of Chapter Eight03:11 Confrontation with Religious Leaders08:05 Jesus as the Light of the World15:50 Following Jesus: Relationship vs. Rules26:15 Critiques and Discrediting Attempts28:19 Jesus' Unwavering Confidence29:09 Dealing with Criticism and Self-Doubt29:59 The Power of Spiritual Practices31:18 Balancing Confidence and Humility34:30 Understanding Jesus' Teachings44:14 The Significance of Jesus' Crucifixion45:17 Living to Make God Happy47:39 Final Takeaways and Listener EngagementDiscussion QuestionsRead through John 8:12-30. Share what the passage reveals to you about God, about humanity, and about following Jesus. Then discuss some or all of the following questions:Following vs. Rule-Keeping: The hosts distinguish between following Jesus through relationship versus simply keeping Christian rules. How has your understanding of what it means to "follow Jesus" evolved over time? What practices help you prioritize the relationship aspect without losing the importance of obedience?Light After Following: Jesus promises that those who follow him will have "the light of life," but Nick points out that light comes after we decide to follow, not before. Have you experienced times when you wanted to "understand everything first" before committing to follow Jesus? How do you balance the need for understanding with the call to faith?Pre-Training for Life: Jamie discusses "pre-training" through spiritual disciplines to handle criticism and maintain confidence in her identity in Christ. What spiritual practices serve as your "training" for life's challenges? How do these practices help you stay grounded when facing opposition or criticism?Making God Happy: Jesus says he "always does what makes [the Father] happy." The hosts suggest replacing "avoiding sin" with "making God happy" as motivation. How might your daily decisions change if you started each day asking "How can I make God happy today?" rather than focusing on what to avoid?Handling Confrontation: Jesus demonstrates remarkable composure when facing personal attacks and attempts to discredit him. When you face criticism or attempts to undermine your message, how do you respond? What helps you maintain focus on the substance rather than getting caught up in personal attacks?End your time by taking a minute to listen to the Holy Spirit and prayerfully choose an “I will…” intention. One small, practical step you’ll take this week to put your learning into practice.Spiritual Practice SuggestionLight a candle and place it on your windowsill. Each time you notice it, remind yourself that "the light of the world shines in your darkness, and the darkness will not win."Visit our websiteFollow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildwayContact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

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