Discussion Questions: Luke 9:23-27

For the message, The Cost of Discipleship given by Pastor John Ferguson
at New City Church of Calgary on May 18, 2014

These discussion questions are designed to help you reflect upon and apply the message from the Scriptures.
You can use these by yourself for reflection, or with your family or small group for discussion.

Introduction:

When you think of the word, Discipleship, shat sorts of things come to your mind? What is a disciple?

Read Luke 9:23-27

Questions:

1. In verse 23, Jesus lays out the terms of discipleship. What are the three phrases he uses to describe what
it means to follow him?

What is involved in denying oneself? How does this get to the heart of the matter?
What was Jesus saying when he said we must take up our cross daily? What does that look like?

2. In verse 24, Jesus speaks of those who want to save their lives? What might that look like (think in terms of
ambitions, dreams, hopes, fears)?

What is, according to Jesus, the key in saving ones life?

3. Consider the words in verse 25: What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits
himself?

In what ways does our city need to contemplate this question? How does it challenge the idols of the
city?
In what ways do you need to contemplate this question? How does it challenge your idols?

4. Jesus gives a stern warning in verse 26. What does it mean if we are ashamed of Jesus? In other words,
what does that tell you about what is most important to us?

5. Pastor John concluded with a quote from of CS Lewis work, Mere Christianity: Aim at Heaven and you will
get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you will get neither.

What is the point that Lewis was making? How does this illustrate what Jesus was saying?

Conclusion:

What is the one thing you want to take away from this study to remember or to make a change in your
life? How does this text help you understand your need for Jesus? How does this text challenge you to
follow him?

Renewing your mind:

Luke 9:25, For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?