Summary: “Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life.”-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
In this session we introduce what it takes to be a disciple of Christ. We will look at Jesus’ own words about being His disciple, the decision-making process, the purpose, and the commitment it takes. This session is an introduction to and overview of the concepts we are going to cover over the next 11 sessions and, as such, will hopefully leave you with questions and a desire to dive deeper into what Jesus is saying!
P.S. Take note of the ties Luke 14 has with Matthew 16
Break the Ice
- What’s your most memorable example of a time you had buyer’s remorse?
Bring the Word
Read Luke 14:25-27
- Have you ever described yourself as a follower of Christ?
- Would the people in the crowds be considered followers? Why or why not?
- What distinction does Jesus make between the people following him and someone who is truly His disciple?
- What thoughts come to mind when Jesus says that hating your family and yourself is a qualifier to be a disciple? (We’ll go deeper in a later session.)
- What does carrying your cross look like?(We’ll go deeper in a later session.)
Read Luke 14:28-30
- Is this parable about someone considering being a follower or someone considering being a disciple?
- What would be the benefits of building a tower during Jesus’ time?
- When did the builder consider the benefits of building a tower?
- Are the rewards of being a disciple a parallel to the benefits of building a tower? Why or why not?
- What would go into counting the cost for building a tower? (We’ll go deeper in a later session.)
- Do you receive partial credit or partial benefit for only laying the foundation of a tower? (We’ll go deeper in a later session.)
Read Luke 14:31-33
- What lens does Jesus give us to view this parable through?
- Who would have the upper hand in the negotiations for peace?
- What might be some of the terms brought by the larger force?
- Is the first king setting himself up to be a vassal king?
- How does that relate to our submission to Christ? (We’ll go deeper in a later session.)
- Is it possible to defeat the 20,000 with 10,000? How is that an all or nothing proposition similar to our commitment to being Christ Disciple? (We’ll go deeper in a later session.)
Bring it Home
Read Read Luke 14:34-35
- What are some of the uses of salt?
- What uses are mentioned here?
- Is it possible for salt to lose its saltiness?
- What is the difference between someone that has ears and someone that has ears to hear?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in our ability to hear? (1 Corinthians 2:12-14)
- Is Jesus implying that some believers, who possess the ability to hear, will choose not to hear?
- Is making a commitment to hearing, understanding, and following God’s Word a requirement of a disciple? Why? Which of these has to come first?
- How do we hear?
- How can we pray with you?
Begin a Discipline
Adding scriptural insight: One of the future sessions we will be looking at Jesus’ statement about building a tower. This week, read Nehemiah 1-7, and take special note of the types of persecution the Israelites faced as they built the city wall.