LUKE - WEEK 14

Open by praying for the night ahead.

Opening Question
If a non-Christian friend with no background in Christianity asked you what it means to be a follower of Jesus, how would you respond?

Read Luke 9:18–27

1. In verses 18–20, Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” Why do you think he asked this question?

2. When Peter answers that Jesus is ‘Messiah’ or ‘Christ’, how might his understanding of that term have been different to what Jesus immediately goes on to say?

3. What do you find most challenging about Jesus’ description of a disciple?

4. How do verses 24–25 challenge popular ideas of what a “successful” or “fulfilling” life looks like?

5. In verse 26, Jesus speaks of being ashamed of him. When or where in your life are you tempted to be ashamed of Jesus?

Read Luke 9:28–36

6. How does the transfiguration contrast with the suffering and death Jesus just spoke of?

7. How might seeing Jesus’ ultimate glory give us strength to bear the cost of following him today?

8. In verse 35, a voice from the cloud says, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” Why is this a fitting command given what he has said in the previous section?

Application

9. What costs of following Jesus have you been avoiding lately? (e.g. speaking about your faith, sacrificing comfort, denying sinful desires)

10. How does knowing both the suffering and glory of Jesus encourage you in your walk with him right now?

Spend time in prayer in response to this passage.