Live the Cross
September 12, 2021
Key Scriptures
Key Points
- Peter’s (and the disciples’) view of the Messiah was too limited.
- The Kingdom of God is here now but is also yet to come.
- Jesus taught the disciples “on the way.”
- Rebuke comes as a challenge to understand and leads to repentance.
- We see what we are trained to see more than what is there.
- Social justice is important to the heart of God, and He wants the best for us, but there is more to being a disciple than that.
- Getting Jesus’ title correct is only the first step of being a disciple. Disciples are called to deny self, take up their execution stake, and follow Christ.
- When we deny ourselves, we say “no” to the “I” that would enslave us, and we say “yes” to God, and He leads us to life.
- To take up our cross and follow Christ means to suffer and die. It’s the difference between a disciple and an admirer of Christ.
- Jesus doesn’t need new PR or good marketing. He needs disciples who are dying to self and living the cross.
- “There are many that follow Jesus as far as the breaking of bread, few as far as drinking the cup of suffering…” – Thomas à Kempis in The Imitation of Christ
- Never Give Up Giving Up.
Discussion Questions
- In what ways is your understanding of Christ (the Messiah) limited?
- What has Jesus taught you “on the way”?
- What hinders you from giving your life completely over to God?
- What does it mean for you to deny self?