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This is the second sermon in our series on the Priorities of Jesus. This sermon is ‘CROSS: Who do you say that I am?’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Mark 8:27-38
This is the second sermon in our series on the Priorities of Jesus. This sermon is ‘CROSS: Who do you say that I am?’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Mark 8:27-38
DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).
Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
CONNECT: Spend some time considering how to prioritise Jesus this year, and think of 3 ways to go about it. WARM-UP
Do you think you have more of a ‘head’ or ‘heart’ approach to priority-setting?
In our culture, how do we typically place ourselves at the centre of decision-making when it comes to priority setting? How does a Gospel approach to priority-setting differ?
Read Mark 8:27-29
What is the question that Jesus first asks the disciples? What were the range of answers?
What were some of the other ideas about Jesus’ identity reported elsewhere in the Gospels? What are some of the most common ideas today about who Jesus is?
How does Jesus make the question personal? How is this question also personal to us?
If you have not really considered this question before, how might you explore it in 2022?
Read Mark 8:29-33
What is Peter’s response to Jesus’ question? Does this mean Peter understands correctly?
How does Jesus fundamentally connect his Messiahship with the cross (and resurrection)?
Why would the news that Jesus had to die (and rise) been so shocking to those listening?
Why does Jesus rebuke Peter’s response so harshly? Why must Jesus die?
Read Mark 8:34-38
What does it mean to deny ourselves and to take up the cross? What does it not mean?
In what ways is following Jesus costly? Are there examples of people who come to mind?
Why is it worth laying down our lives for Jesus?
How have you embraced the cost of following Jesus? How does it involve your time, talents, and treasure?
APPLY: In 2022, what is one way in which you need to bring the use of your time, talents, and treasures more into line with the priorities of Jesus?
Gracious God, thank you for the phenomenal truth of who Jesus is! Please help us to recognise his beauty and embrace the cost of following him with our entire lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
On Your Frontline This Week: What daily rhythm is going to help you live for Jesus in 2022?
Listen, Watch, and Read:
SERIES Resources:
BOOK: “Resilient Disciples” by Rick Hill
BOOK: “Need to Know” by Gary Millar
ARTICLE: “What is a Whole-Life Disciple” by LICC (London Institute of Contemporary Christianity)
Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.
Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray
High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions
Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk
eBook: Watch the eBook
Listen to the latest sermons and talks from St Bart's Anglican Church located in Toowoomba, Australia. Visit www.stbarts.com.au for the latest news and information.