Mark 8:29 NLT
“But who do you say I am?”
What were your earliest impressions of who Jesus was, and how have they changed over time?
On Sunday, I made the case that we tend to have an oversimplified version of Jesus in our minds, and I identified a few of the popular cartoon versions of Jesus that I think are prevalent:
- “Nice Guy” Jesus– Softspoken, gentle moral teacher
- Political Revolutionary– social reformer and political activist
- Mythical Figure– Conceptual Jesus. Not a real figure. Legend, not fact.
- Ticket to Heaven– spiritual tool or transaction. Not a real relationship.
What do you think of my list? Did you agree or disagree with any? Have you had any of these at one time or another?
Why do you think so many people view Jesus primarily as a “ticket to heaven?”
Have you ever had that? How does this view affect your walk with God?
John 15:15 (NLT)
I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
What difference does it make in your life to believe that Jesus wants a relationship with you now- not just in the afterlife?
Luke 17:21 NLT
“The Kingdom of God is already among you”
Why do you think Jesus emphasized the Kingdom of God so much during his ministry? What does “the Kingdom” mean for us today?
How does viewing Jesus as both Savior and Lord challenge you? Are there areas of his teaching you find difficult to live out?
Matthew 16:24–25 (NLT)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
What does it look like in practical terms to “follow Jesus” in everyday life? How is that different than just “believing in him?”
John 14:6 NLT
“I am the WAY…”
John 10:10 NLT
My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
How might your faith deepen and your life change if you saw Jesus not just as your future hope, but your present source of life, purpose, and peace?