This week Pastor Josh unpacked John 12:27-36 and helped us see Jesus as the light we need to overcome the darkness. When we are in the light we can walk, believe, and become more like Jesus and experience more of the abundant life we were made for. But when we settle for the darkness, we become less and less like the thriving children of light we were made to be. Let's study together.

Grow Together

Read this from the Bible together:‍

John 12:27-36

27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

Some key statements and questions put forward that are important for us to talk about…‍

The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder...The crowd doesn't get what's happening. They don't want their triumphant king to die and so they keep on trying to piece together what's happening without fully understanding who Jesus is and what he came to do. Are there places in your own life where you misunderstand the power of the cross? How would you explain what the cross did for you?

So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” The crowd doubts Jesus is the Messiah. They assume he's just not the guy. Why do you think its easier to worship a God who doesn't have to go to the cross? What does this reveal about human nature and our desire to avoid the cost of bringing the dark into the light?

Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. The light of Jesus invites us to walk, believe, and become like him. But darkness often tempts us to hide and hinder who we were made to be. Pastor Josh spoke about insecurities, addictions, fears, and anger. Which profile resonated most with you?

Next Steps

"When we believe we are not enough, we become insecure, exhausted, and awful to be around." Walking in the light doesn't mean that we have to pretend we are people we aren't, it means that God can use the very worst of who we are and transform us into rested and secure souls. Have you experienced any personal dark-to-light transformations? Share an area of your life where you are walking, believing, and becoming light.

"We are either becoming more of a slave or more of a free person." The thing about darkness and light is that they can not co-exist. Why is community and DNA and inviting people into your story such an important part of bringing the light of Jesus to the darkest parts of your life?

"Time is of the essence. While you have the light, come to Jesus." Pastor Josh's profiles were powerful. When we see the differences between being in the dark and the light it becomes very clear which one is the better deal. Why do we so often prefer the dark? What can you bring into the light with your DNA right now that may help you walk in the light that Jesus came to give you?