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.”
Main Idea
WE ARE CALLED TO BECOME SONS OF LIGHT
Outline
THE PURPOSE OF CHRIST’S SURRENDER: GLORY (VV27-29)
THE PLAN OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE: GOSPEL (VV30-33)
THE PATH OF OUR SALVATION: GODLINESS (VV34-36)
Discussion Questions
THE PURPOSE OF CHRIST’S SURRENDER: GLORY (VV27-29)
In verse 27, Jesus openly acknowledges the turmoil of His soul. What stands out to you about His honesty here?
What does Jesus ask for instead of asking to be saved from suffering?
How does the Father respond, and why do you think the crowd misunderstands what is happening?
What does this teach us about how God’s glory is sometimes revealed in ways we don’t immediately recognize?
Where do you find yourself tempted to pray “save me from this” instead of “Father, be glorified”?
How might your understanding of God’s glory reshape how you view hardship or obedience this year?
THE PLAN OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE: GOSPEL (VV30-33)
What does Jesus say His death will accomplish spiritually and cosmically?
How does this passage help clarify what the gospel actually is?
How does seeing the cross as triumph—not tragedy—change how you think about following Jesus?
In what ways does the gospel continue to “draw” you toward Christ today?
THE PATH OF OUR SALVATION: GODLINESS (VV34-36)
Why do the people struggle with Jesus’ teaching about the Son of Man?
What does Jesus mean when He calls people to “walk while you have the light”?
What is the connection between believing in the light and becoming “sons of light”?
How does this passage challenge the idea that salvation is only about a moment, not a life?
What does “walking in the light” look like in everyday rhythms—habits, relationships, priorities?
Looking Forward
As we begin the Becoming Campaign, what is one specific area where you already feel God calling you to become more of what you were made to be?
Prayer Focus
Pray for hearts that desire God’s glory above personal comfort, trusting the Father even when obedience feels costly.
Pray for clearer spiritual hearing, that we would recognize God’s voice and work even when it doesn’t fit our expectations.
Pray for deeper gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice, seeing the cross not as defeat but as God’s powerful plan of salvation.
Pray for renewed faith in the gospel, that the truth of Jesus’ death and victory would continue to draw us toward Him.
Pray for freedom from sin’s power, trusting that Christ has defeated the ruler of this world.
Pray for courage to walk in the light, choosing obedience while the opportunity to respond is before us.
Pray for growing godliness, that our beliefs would shape our daily habits, relationships, and decisions.
Pray for transformation over the coming year, that we would not merely attend church but truly become sons and daughters of light.
Pray for unity across our church, that we would walk this Becoming journey together with humility, grace, and perseverance.
Pray for the work of the Holy Spirit, forming Christlike character in us individually and corporately.