The pillar of fire (the Light) tangibly symbolized three things:
1. God’s PRESENCE : “I am “
2. God’s PROTECTION : “I am “
3. God’s DIRECTION : “I am “
NOTES:
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Read John 1:1-14 & 8:12 and discuss:
• When you think of Christmas lights, what feeling or memory comes
to mind first?
• Recap what the pillar of fire, the Shekinah glory of God, meant to the
Israelites. Why was the Ark of the Covenant such a big part of Israel’s
confidence? How do you think Ezekiel felt when he saw the glory of
God departing the Temple? (Ezekiel 9-11)
• Why do you think John introduced Jesus the way he did in John 1?
What does it mean that Jesus is both “life” and “light,” and why do you
think John connects those two ideas?
• John says the light “shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not
overcome it.”
• Where do you see darkness at work in our world or in your personal
life and how does this verse give you hope?
• What is so significant about where Jesus said what he said in John
8:12? How have you found his promise to be true?
• In John 1:9, Jesus is called “the true light which gives light to
everyone.” How does Jesus bring clarity, truth, or moral direction in a
culture full of competing “lights”?
• Why do you think people resist the Light, and in what ways do we
sometimes resist it ourselves? How does understanding your identity
as God’s child shape the way you face darkness, fear, or uncertainty?
• What is the biggest takeaway from these verses?
PERSONAL REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
• Where am I tempted most to look for life outside of Jesus and what
fruit does that produce in me?
• Just like the Israelites in the wilderness, you can know that God is
with you, God is for you, and God is leading you. How does this change
the way you view the season you are in right now?