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A Conversation Between Jesus & His Disciples

Easter is approaching. Weekly devotions are provided during March to help us draw closer to Jesus as we walk with Him through His suffering.

• These devos are designed to be used with family, friends & groups. Always better together.

• You will find a link to weekly devos on the NH App and website.

• Please consider periodic food-fasts throughout the month as a way to devote yourself to Jesus. (See Pastor Mark’s fasting video.)

THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE READING

Jesus has been healing people, feeding the crowds, and sending His disciples out to do the same. In a private and restful moment with His disciples, Jesus struck up this conversation…

Luke 9:18–27 “Once, when Jesus was praying in private and His disciples were with Him, He asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say I am?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.’ ‘But what about you?’ He asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You’re the Christ, the Son of God!’ Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. And he said, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.’ Then He said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after Me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will save it. What good is it for a person to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their own soul? If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.’”

FOR REFLECTION & DISCUSSION

1. Jesus is alone with His disciples.

• Why does Jesus practice spending “alone time” with His disciples?
• Describe your “alone times” with Jesus. When do you get alone with Jesus? What happens? Why are these times important to you?

2. Like a good rabbi, Jesus often engages His disciples with questions.

• How is this method helpful for teaching & learning?
• Who helps you think through your faith? With whom do you have Q&A faith-discussions?

3. Peter’s response to Jesus is often called, “Peter’s Confession of Faith.”

• What’s important about Peter’s answer? What does it convey about Peter’s faith?
• What’s your answer to Jesus’ question? How have you arrived at this conclusion?

4. Jesus predicts His suffering, death & Resurrection.

• What happens in your heart when you hear Jesus speak these words?
• How does Jesus’ suffering, death & Resurrection impact your life, both daily and eternally?

5. Jesus makes a powerful statement: “If anyone would come after Me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow Me.”

• What does Jesus mean? What is Jesus asking of His followers?
• How are we to apply these words to our daily lives? What are examples of living out Jesus’ words?

6. Jesus asks a startling question: “What good is it for a person to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their own soul?”

• What point is Jesus making? What contrast is Jesus drawing?
• In what way do these words challenge you? In what ways might they encourage you?

7. Jesus closes with profound words: “If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”

• What does it mean to be “ashamed” of Jesus and His words? What are examples?
• What challenge is Jesus offering us? How does it make you feel? How can we live out Jesus’ words?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Savior. Thank You for doing what only You can do. We trust in Your death & Resurrection. We confess our sin and receive Your forgiveness. Thank You for Your constant presence in our lives. Please draw us closer to You. Please help us make You more central in our lives. Please help us live inwardly and outwardly for you. Please help us reflect You in all we say and do today. We love and Honor You. Amen.