Breaking Ground
What is your favorite conversation starter? Are there any interesting facts, truths, or stories about yourself that you like to share when you’re meeting someone for the first time?
The Dig
This Sunday, Pastor Scott explored the cost of discipleship by looking at one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings.
Begin by reflecting on how you’ve been taught to think about what discipleship or following Jesus means.
Have you been taught to think of discipleship as being costly? That is, were you taught to think of following Jesus as something that should take priority over everything else in your life or as something that’s more tangential to other parts of your life, culture, or world?
How has this shaped your understanding of faith & what it means to live out your faith?
Next, read Luke 9:57-62. Here, Jesus lays down the proverbial gauntlet when it comes to the commitment that he expects from his disciples. In responding to several people asking to become his disciples, Jesus makes a series of challenging & provocative statements. He says that:
- Disciples should be prepared to live so sacrificially that they may go without home or shelter in their pursuit of following him.
- Discipleship should take precedence over completing the culturally expected religious rites of burial for the family patriarch (something that would’ve been seen as an egregious & even sinful act at this time).
- Discipleship should take precedence over one’s family (which was considered the ultimate claim upon one’s allegiance in this culture).
What stands out to you the most about these back-&-forth interactions?
Why does Jesus chose to make such provocative statements in response to these requests? What point is he trying to make by using such dramatic language to define the cost & expectations of a disciple?
Ultimately, this teaching is incredibly uncomfortable for us as modern Christians. Too often in our Western culture, Christianity has become just a cultural identity marker rather than a commitment to a radical way of life that demands our utmost loyalty & whole life. However, as in Jesus’ days, these strong statements are critical for developing a whole-hearted faith.
Why do you think we, as American Christians, find this teaching so uncomfortable? What parts of our lives & culture do you think it challenges most?
Where do you find it hardest to commit to following Jesus in this radical way? Is there a specific area of your life that you try to hold back? Consider what sort of “but wait” question you’d ask Jesus like the people in this passage.
What would you need to change in this next season to more fully commit to following Jesus in this radical way?
Coming Out of the Hole
Take time to reflect on the Sunday sermon & how this week’s teaching might speak into your daily life.
- Read Luke 9:57-62. Highlight or make note of any language or images that stick out to you the most.
- Consider our own culture & the things it tells us take precedence over becoming more like Jesus. How do these lead us to hold parts of our lives back when it comes to following Jesus?
- Imagine yourself in the story raising one of the things you’ve identified as a reason not to immediately follow Jesus. How do you think he’d respond? How would this response change your orientation to that part of your life or world?
Journal, reflect, & pray on how God might be speaking to you through each week’s teaching. Share your experience with your growth group next week!
Additional Resources*
TheBibleProject.com
When Helping Hurts by Brian Fikkert & Steven Corbett
Coming Up This Week:*
Sunday, August 7th: Join us next Sunday as Pastor Mike explores Genesis 1 & 2 in order to rediscover our most fundamental calling as human beings!
* Please see mye3.org for details.