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:  

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. 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?
4. Was there anything Jesus said in these chapters that surprised you?
5. 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)
6. Consider the temple guard's reaction ( John 7:46). What is something that Jesus said that has greatly impacted your life?
7. How do we avoid behaving elitist like the Pharisees?  How can we love and show grace to those who "know" less than we do?
8. 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"?
9. Throughout these chapters, people believe because they hear the words of Jesus.  How do your words affect others?
10. How has the truth set you free?  Respond to the quote from Barclay's commentary and the four ways we are freed.
11. Do you quickly believe Jesus' words as truth or are your more skeptical?  What does this tell you about your heart?
12. Who are you more like - your earthly father or your Heavenly Father?