Experiencing God - Day 14
Day 14 - Thursday, February 22
Read John 8
Highlight
John 8 contains one of the great identification statements of Jesus: “I am the Light of the World.” (v12) John Calvin wrote in his set of commentaries that “It is a most beautiful title of Christ when he is called the light of the world. We are all blind by nature, but a remedy is offered to rescue and free us from the darkness and make us partakers of the true light. And this blessing is not offered just to one here or there, for Christ says that he is the light of the whole world.”
Yet, as is so often the case in the Gospels, Jesus’ claims are rejected and questioned. Jesus’ response here reveals his own comfort in his mighty identity. He tells them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He…” (v28) This both reaches back to the conversation that Jesus had with Nicodemus in John 3 and looks forward to the Day of Pentecost. The guilt of putting Christ to death would awaken their consciences. This is why in Acts 2:36 the people, proving Jesus right, cried out ‘What shall we do?’ and were told to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus, the Light of the World, the Son of Man, and the Savior of our souls.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read John 8
Highlight
John 8 contains one of the great identification statements of Jesus: “I am the Light of the World.” (v12) John Calvin wrote in his set of commentaries that “It is a most beautiful title of Christ when he is called the light of the world. We are all blind by nature, but a remedy is offered to rescue and free us from the darkness and make us partakers of the true light. And this blessing is not offered just to one here or there, for Christ says that he is the light of the whole world.”
Yet, as is so often the case in the Gospels, Jesus’ claims are rejected and questioned. Jesus’ response here reveals his own comfort in his mighty identity. He tells them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He…” (v28) This both reaches back to the conversation that Jesus had with Nicodemus in John 3 and looks forward to the Day of Pentecost. The guilt of putting Christ to death would awaken their consciences. This is why in Acts 2:36 the people, proving Jesus right, cried out ‘What shall we do?’ and were told to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus, the Light of the World, the Son of Man, and the Savior of our souls.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in Experiencing God