Starter question:
Where is one place you wouldn’t want to go? Why?

Bible Study Questions (Luke 9:22-27)

Luke has introduced and regularly mentioned John the Baptist even after his sudden death (earlier in chapter 9). John the Baptist had a great ministry but then was beheaded. The same would happen to Jesus. The conclusion, however, is given here for Jesus’ disciples–that which looks so promising might not have an easy end. The disciples of Jesus in a similar way would need to take up their cross to follow Jesus, wherever Christ would lead.

22 The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. 23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. 25 For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who shall not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:22-27 NASB)

1. What did Jesus say would happen to Him in verse 22? Why do you think Jesus foretold these things?
   

2. What is it that Jesus told all of his disciples in verse 23?
   

3. What does it mean to ‘take up his cross daily” (24)? How is that practically done?
   

4. Restate Jesus’ principle in Luke 9:24-25 in your own words.

5. How can we practically allow that thought change how we do things, say to our spouse or roommate?
   

6. Why might a person be ashamed at the return of the Son of Man (26)?
   

7. What do you think might happen to those who find themselves ashamed upon Christ’s return (26)? Does this mean they would not be saved?
   

8. The disciples didn’t really seem to believe Jesus’ prediction that He made in verse 22. How do you think the disciples might have taken Jesus’ words in verse 22 and 26?

   Summary & Application

Jesus never calls us where He does not go. As Jesus emphasizes here, it is important to solidify our commitment to the Lord now before the pressure grows. Christ must be followed even if our life must be forfeited.

1. Who do you believe Jesus is? What you truly believe might be different from what you say. What you deep down believe will in the end influence how you respond to Him and His words here.
   

2. What is your cross? Do you take it up daily? Share how you practically do that in your daily life.
   

3. Are you a disciple of Jesus? Do you carry your cross? Have you given up your possessions in your heart? What about your respect and honor? Use this sentence to help you go through each area of your life to fully commit yourself to the Lord: “Even if I lose …., I will follow You Jesus. You have the words of life.”
   

4. With all the terrorists’ events occurring around us, would you deny Jesus to save your life or give up your head?
   

5. Many people including many evangelists do not tell people the implications of following Jesus? Why? What happens as a result? Would you say that most professing Christians know this? How do you handle it?

“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27).

Please note the handouts for this study and many other New Testament resources including many other Bible studies can be found in the BFF New Testament Library below.