I. Background Information
Luke 9:18 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” 19 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.” 20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” 21 Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. 22 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.” 23 Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? 26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”
III. Label the Text
- Highlight Jesus’ questions -- and in another color highlight the answers.
- In v 22, underline the verbs which tell what will happen to Jesus.
- List what Jesus says his followers must do in v 23–27.
- Mark anything else you think is interesting -- write thoughts in margins.
- Write several questions about the passage.
IV. Reflect on the Text
Imagine you are Peter. You tell Jesus you think He is the Christ. What do you expect that He might say to you in response?
Rewrite v 23 in your own words.
V. Personal Application
From reading this passage, what do you think Jesus would say to YOU about following Him at this time in your life. Would He challenge you - comfort you - mention a specific situation…? Write a short note to yourself from Jesus saying these things.
Dear ___________,
