When did we ever get the idea Jesus was a good thing to bring along on the ride of our life? How did we get the notion that His super powers might just come in handy if we get in a bind? Following Jesus means…um…FOLLOWING Him. Today we’ll see how Jesus lays it out for His followers.

 

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 16:1-28

 

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 16:24-26

 

Here it is again, from The Message: Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?”

 

Living Out: APPLY IT

 

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

 

I cannot determine to live my own life, build my own empire, marshal my efforts for my own agenda…and then call on Jesus to help me if something goes wrong. I’m either with Him or not. Denying myself means that I trade in my agenda for His. He is King. He is Boss. He is Lord. 

 

Dear Father, You clearly came to give me a new life, not just make a little better the one I had. I’m all in. Today I’m again bringing you everything I have and everything I am to be placed under your control. Help me be the man, husband, father, friend, neighbor and pastor that is completely behind you. I’m not interested in doing my thing, I’m following You.