Sermon Summary: In this passage, we encounter the paradoxical nature of Jesus and his mission. Jesus is fully human, like us in every way and yet also fully divine. Although Jesus suffered death, he was resurrected on the 3rd day to be the firstborn of a glorious new creation. In this passage, Jesus invites us to wrestle with the paradox of his humanity and divinity, suffering and glory. Those who follow after him are called to embrace his identity and mission. We need glimpses of His glory to help us remain faithful in suffering as we wait for the redemption of all things.
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Memory Verse: For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:24 (ESV)
Discussion Questions:
- Read through Luke 9:18-36. We recommend using the questions from the DNA Meeting Guide to help guide your study of this text. The guide also gives your DNA group a simple structure to work through the passage and discuss together.
- Getting to the Heart - What has shaped your expectations for your life? How would you summarize your expectations? How does Jesus invite us to see beyond this life only?
- Living the Way of Jesus - Jesus says in verse 24, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” How do “glimpses of glory” help us embrace this teaching? What essential practices (both communally and personally) has God given us that help us cultivate this amidst our suffering? What might need to change in your life to make these practices of prayer and scripture a priority?
Kids Worship Questions
- Can you think of something hard you have gone through in your life? How did you feel during that time?
- Draw a picture of the Transfiguration story we looked at in Luke 9 this morning. What caught your attention in this story?
- Why is it important to remember God knows what it’s like to be human? Why is it important to remember God is mighty in power during times of difficulty?
- Prayer is a way we can talk to God and experience his presence. What is one difficult area of life right now that you can begin to seek God in prayer for?