A boy listening to his grandfather’s stories of pyramids and ancient civilisations dreamed of becoming an archaeologist, adulthood confronted that dream with a price he was not willing to pay. This personal story opens a reflection on the question Jesus put to his disciples: “But who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9). The sermon shows that our image of Jesus decides whether we will follow him at all, and that the call to take up the cross daily will strike the world as absurdly radical. Listen, and examine what you are building your own answer on.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Luke 9:18-20 the crowds think Jesus is John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets. What were these opinions based on, and why does Jesus then ask the disciples for their own view?
- Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ, yet Jesus forbids them to tell anyone and announces his suffering, death and resurrection. How did the disciples' picture of the Messiah differ from who Jesus really was?
- The speaker stressed that giving the right answer, like at school, is not enough. Who is Jesus to you, and what is your answer built on: your own experience or other people's opinions?
- In Jesus' time the cross meant a public execution with no way back. What does denying yourself and taking up your cross daily look like for you in practice?
- The sermon showed how our ideas about marriage, family, work or church collide with reality. In which area of your life does such an idea most clash right now with the cost of following Jesus?
- The speaker shared that he and his wife engraved a reference to the words about taking up the cross inside their wedding rings and are learning to die to themselves for each other. What could you give up this week for the good of someone close to you?
