The Essential Jesus – Week 10 Readings & Questions

Attached is the list of readings for this week of our Essential Jesus sermon series — this week we’ll look at following Jesus. (And note, if you’ve been reading ahead, these are not exactly the same readings originally scheduled for this week.) We’ll look at what Jesus says about what it takes to be one of his disciples. 

The readings are all pretty short, so we hope to get to most of them next Sunday. (As always, the readings come with some questions to help you process what you’ve read.) 

(As always, the readings come with some questions to help you process what you’ve read.)

Essential Jesus Readings – Week 10
March 21 – Following Jesus 

  1. The Discipleship Journey: Luke 9:51-10:12

It sounds difficult to be a follower of Jesus. What have you found most difficult? How have you dealt with the difficulties?

  1. Get Serious: Mark 8:27-38

 None of us expects to die by crucifixion so what would it mean for you to “take up your cross”? How do you overcome pressures to be “ashamed” of Jesus?

  1. Soul Food: John 6:25-71

 In what way is Jesus “the bread of life” to you? How has he fed any hunger in you? What more do you need him to ”feed“ you?

  1. Serious Forgiveness: Matthew 18:21-35

How many times are we to forgive? Why is forgiving so vital? Have you ever had to forgive someone (or be forgiven) many times? 

  1. The Last Meal: Luke 22:7-34

How do you experience communion during worship? What do you think Jesus means when he says, “the leader is like one who serves”?

Reflection Questions About These Readings:

  1. Of all the things Jesus said (both in this section and elsewhere in the Gospels), which are the most difficult for you to understand? To obey? Why?
  2. Have you ever had a hard time forgiving someone? What did you do that helped?
  3. What is a bigger priority for you – pursuing happiness or following Jesus? (Do you agree with the premise of the question – that the two are mutually exclusive? Why or why not?)
  4. How does the experience of communion tie in with your life of discipleship?
  5. Many of today’s readings include mountaintop experiences of great faith as well as really challenging situations. Think back on your own life of faith – have you experienced both the mountaintop and the valley? How do both types of experiences form your faith?

 

Remember:

Every Wednesday night we have a zoom bible study to look at the passages discussed in last Sunday’s sermon. On Wednesday, March 17, at 6:30 we’ll look at the prayers of Jesus.