Bible Discussion 39: Jesus and Mission

Bible Discussion 39: Jesus and Mission Text: Luke 9:1-6; Luke 9:23-27 Purpose: To capture Jesus’ mission and strategically plan our life in order to join Him ultimately fulfilling our purpose. Opening Question: Are you more flexible or hesitant to changes in your life? Read and Discuss: Luke 9:1-6 Luke 9 is a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. Up to this point Jesus has done all the preaching, praying and serving people. The disciples have watched, but not yet participated fully. Jesus’ sending of the 12 begins a time of apprenticeship to prepare them for their ultimate mission after Jesus’ ascension. Jesus’ instructions were to “preach the kingdom of God”, God’s rule and reign and “to heal the sick”, demonstrate the kingdom. Jesus gave them spiritual authority to “preach the Kingdom of God” and “demonstrate the Kingdom of God”. 1. How has seeing or hearing about Jesus’ miracles helped you to believe in the rule and reign of God in our world? When you hear stories of God answering prayer, healing marriages, saving people, and practically helping others, how does that encourage your faith that God is sovereign? 2. To whom do you believe God has called you to speak about the kingdom of God and demonstrate the kingdom of God? What are some of the ways you can demonstrate the Kingdom of God to others? Read and Discuss: Luke 9:23-27 After Jesus introduces His disciples to the mission--to preach the kingdom and demonstrate the kingdom. Jesus now huddles the His disciples to call them to explain the terms of discipleship. Following Jesus will not be easy, but will be extremely rewarding. Jesus is preparing His disciples so they will continue to endure throughout their life and not just a season. The terms of discipleship are to “deny themselves”, “take up their cross daily” and “follow me”. The cost of discipleship also includes the ability to confess Him courageously. Jesus is clear that the disciples should not be ashamed of following Him even in a culture that is opposite of the Kingdom’s ways. 3. Deny themselves: is not just denying things but denying personal control of one’s life. When was the last time that you trusted God with a situation that you had no control over? 4. Take up their cross daily: Embrace God’s will no matter what the cost. Describe a time when you obeyed God and it cost you? Examples: obeying Him in giving, serving, volunteering, not seeking your own justice, refusing to gossip, believing He is good despite challenging situation, etc. 5. Follow me: travel with Jesus, but also with the other disciples. Who do you identify as the people you regularly follow Jesus with? 6. Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words: Pressure to deny Jesus because of cultural differences. How can you grow in the area of courageously following Jesus despite the pressure around you at your work place, family, neighbors, etc. 7. What are the benefits of dying to yourself? How does that give you real life?