Discussion Questions: Luke 9:51-62

For the message, Following Jesus on a New Journey given by Pastor John Ferguson
at New City Church of Calgary on June 22, 2014

These discussion questions are designed to help you reflect upon and apply the message from the Scriptures.
You can use these by yourself for reflection, or with your family or small group for discussion.

Introduction:

Make the distinction between being a fan of Jesus and being a follower? What are some of the similarities?
What might be some of the differences? How can you tell the difference?

Read Luke 9:51-62.

Questions:

1. So far in our journey in the Gospel of Luke, we have seen Jesus tell his disciples that he must go and be
handed over into the hands of men to be beaten and crucified. They didnt seem to get it. Now in vs. 51
Luke tells us that Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem. What does that image indicate?

2. The Samaritans rejected Jesus and his disciples. They wanted nothing to do with them, and so the
disciples were livid. In particular, Luke highlights the reaction of James and John. What did they want to
do? Why?

How is this attitude completely contradictory to what Jesus had aught them earlier (cf. Luke 6:27-28).

In this context, Pastor John quoted Os Guinness who said, The link between a belief & its outcome is
important to examine. Some bad behavior, however, is an accurate reflection of a belief, while other bad
behavior is such a contradiction of its belief that it is no reflection at all.

How does this help highlight an important truth in todays world that sometimes views religion as inherently
violent?

3. Look at the three responses that Jesus gave to people considering following him (vs. 58, 60, 62). How
would you summarize what Jesus is stressing in his responses?

4. Pastor John said that, Jesus is either of supreme importance, or he is of no importance. What he cannot
be is moderately important. What does this statement mean? Do you agree with it? Why or why not?

How would you convey this to one of your neighbors or colleagues?

5. In the application, the study mentioned that we should Focus on the Right Priority, that is, Jesus.

Reflect on this quote that was shared: If Jesus is Gods Son, our first duty is towards him. A man who
considers that he has a prior duty to fulfill before he is free to become a follower of Christ, has no concept
of who Christ is (David Gooding).

6. Think about Christs singular devotion to making atonement for people like us? What did he give up for us?

In other words, if he set his face towards Jerusalem, how should we set our faces? Look up Hebrews
12:1-3.

Conclusion:

What is the one thing you want to take away from this study to remember or to make a change in your
life? How does this text help you understand your need for Jesus? How does this text challenge you to
follow him?

Renewing your mind:

Hebrews 12:1-3, Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside
every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the
cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.