Homework: John 8:12-30

Wow, long time no post.

I gave my word at Bible study Wednesday night that I would post the "homework" assignment for next Wednesday, so here it is.

We are going to be spending our time together studying yet another intense dialogue between Jesus and the Jewish leaders who are seething with murderous rage, plotting to take Jesus' life.

This particular passage ends with Jesus' statement that "Before Abraham was 'I am.'" The Jewish leaders take up stones to kill Jesus for blasphemy...Christians should get the chills and respond with awe at this divine revelation that Jesus is the Great I Am, Yahweh.

So, here is what you need to do:

1) Read John 5: 16-30. Focus on the importance of what Jesus says. What hangs in the balance if we do not hear and respond to the words of Jesus?
2) Read John 7: 25-52 then 8:12-30 (skipping the story of the adulteress, like we talked about). Think about the imagery, the symbolism, that Jesus draws upon in speaking of who he is. Also, note any connections between this passage and what you already read in John 5.
3) Read Isaiah 42 and 49. What are these prophesies talking about? What connections, if any, do you see between the Isaiah passages and what Jesus says in John 7 and 9?