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Finding Light When Life Goes Dark

It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon’s Colonnade. The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” JOHN 10:22-24 NLT    

I find light by listening to the words of Jesus

Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. JOHN 10:25-29 NLT 

The words of Jesus: 

Shine light on the truth of God

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 1 JOHN 1:5 NLT 

Shine light on the truth about this world

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.  JOHN 12:46 NLT 

Shine the light on false light 

Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 CORINTHIANS 11:14 NLT

The greatest evil is never darkness, it is always false light. 

I find light by believing Jesus 

Some of you believe in God, but you don’t ever believe God.

The Father and I are one.” Once again the people picked up stones to kill him. Jesus said, “At my Father’s direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?”

They replied, “We’re stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God.” 

Jesus replied, “It is written in your own Scriptures that God said to certain leaders of the people, ‘I say, you are gods!’ And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. So if those people who received God’s message were called ‘gods,’ why do you call it blasphemy when I say, ‘I am the Son of God’? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world. 

Don’t believe me unless I carry out my Father’s work. But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don’t believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.” Once again they tried to arrest him, but he got away and left them. JOHN 10:31-39 NLT

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” JOHN 8:12 NLT 

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. EPHESIANS 1:18 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place that is free from distractions. Allow your thoughts and feelings to become calm. When you are ready, invite God to guide your time. Reflect on the part of the weekend's message about some of us believing in God but not believing God. Ask God, “What is a truth of yours that I have not fully trusted?” What feelings surface as you think about relying on this fact more? Ask yourself, “What do these feelings indicate that I actually believe about this truth?” Recall an experience you have had that supports this fact to be genuine. Ask God, “How can I grow in relying on this truth more? Is there anything I am relying on instead of this fact? Help me to have greater faith in your words in this area.” Thank him for his patience and understanding in growing your faith. Pray he will bring to mind one action you can take this week to believe more in the truth he revealed to you. Take that action and share your experience with a trusted friend.

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about yourself, God or others in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. As you look back at your life and story with Jesus, when did you finally realize that Jesus was truly the one to save you? What changed in your life as a result? 
  3. In what specific ways does the certainty of this passage encourage you in our uncertain world? 
  4. Read 1 John 1:5. While there may be no darkness in God, what darkness still exists in you that needs to be shared? What can we do to help you overcome it? 
  5. Read John 12:46. Who do you share life with that is living in the dark, and what is one practical thing you can do this week to share the light of Jesus with them?
  6. Read 2 Corinthians 11:14. What “good things” are a part of your life that might be sneakily keeping you from Jesus, and what do you need to do about them?