68 — Your Cross to Bear

YOUR CROSS TO BEAR

LUKE 9:21-36; 14:25-35; 23:26

Bearing your cross means accepting that the cost of following Jesus means sharing in his suffering in this world (and his glory in the next).

  • Bearing Your Cross Means Embracing the Pattern of Pain in this Life (and Glory in the Next) (9:21-36)

  • Bearing Your Cross Means Surrendering Your Life to God (and His Purposes) (14:25-35; 23:26)


Discussion Starters

Monday—Read Luke 9:23 and 14:27. How have you typically understood “taking up your cross” in the past? Did the sermon change the way you see it? How?

Tuesday—What pattern in life do Moses, David, Joseph, and Job all follow? What do you think God records this pattern over and over?What does he want you to learn through it? (cf. Luke 24:26)

Wednesday—Read Colossians 1:24. What does it mean to fill up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions? How does seeing your suffering as a participation in Jesus’ suffering transform how you understand it?

Thursday—How does the Lord’s Supper help you recognize the true Jesus from imposters/true preaching from false preaching?

Friday—Read Romans 8:15-17. What is the promise for those who patiently endure the hardships of this life for Jesus’ sake? How can remembering that help you face life’s pains well?

Brett McNeill

Brett McNeill has been our pastor since we began in 2004. He and Jen have been married since 1998 and have four wonderful daughters. Brett is a graduate of Westminster Seminary in California (Masters in Divinity, 2003). His desire is to clearly proclaim Jesus Christ from all of Scripture in a way that is clear, convicting and encouraging.