Disciple (Week Eight)-- Come and Die Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Jesus modeled a lifestyle of prayer to his disciples. In turn, this made the disciples eager to learn to pray. The following scriptures reveal occasions where Jesus prayed. What did Jesus pray for? What can be learned from each occasion?

Luke 3:21-22—

Mark 1:35-39—

Luke 6:12-16—

Luke 9:28-29—

Luke 10:21-22—

Luke 22:31-32—

Matthew 26:36—

Mark 15:33—

Jesus often withdrew early in the morning to spend time praying to the Father. This allowed Him to be free from the distractions and demands of the crowds.

As Jesus’ disciple, how does prayer help you gain perspective?

Jesus modeled prayer when faced with key decisions about selection and leadership. He had to discern what was in His disciple’s hearts, and relied on wisdom from the Father.

In what areas do I, as a disciple, need prayer for wisdom?
Jesus tells Peter He prayer for him, knowing challenged he faced. This provided Peter with needed perspective to later repent and encourage his fellow disciples.

For whom am I interceding lately, and have I taken time to let them know how I am praying for them?

Jesus was often at prayer, alone but within earshot of the disciples. This made them eager to learn to pray, and so they ask him to teach them to, and how to pray.

Is my prayer life visible to those close to me, especially my family, in ways that attracts them and causes them to appreciate the value of prayer?

Disciple (Week Seven)-- Come and Die Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What role has relationships with fellow disciples played in you becoming a Christ-follower?

2. Read John 17:20-23. For whom does Jesus pray in this passage?

3. John 17:21a reads, “May they all be one, as You Father, are in Me and I am in You”, What was Jesus’ specific request?

4. How is fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer an evidence for genuine Chrsitianity? (John 17:21b, see also John 13:34-35)

5. What distracts you from connecting with others in community?

6. What are your current opportunities for community?

Disciple (Week Six)-- Come and Die Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Week Six: Surrenders/Sacrifices/Commits

1. The message, The Disciple Surrenders, sacrifices and commits is based on Jesus’ teaching in Luke 9:23-27. Read Luke 9:21-22. What insight does this context give to understanding what follows?

Read Luke 9:23-27.

2. The cross in Jesus’ day was an instrument of execution, much like our electric chair. What does Jesus mean by “take up his cross and follow me”?
3. What are to two ways of taking up one’s cross?
4. Ask yourself the following questions:
o Am I willing to risk my reputation and be rejected by others?
o Am I ready to sacrifice the temporal for what is eternal?
o Am I willing to let go of what is most precious to me?

5. What can be learned about discipleship from Jesus’ responses to the three excuses?
6. Are you ready to “go and die?” If not, what do you yet need to see from Jesus?