Embracing the Journey: Discipleship's Highs and Lows
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we gathered to worship and reflect on the journey of discipleship, likening it to a roller coaster ride. Just as roller coasters have their highs and lows, so does our walk with Jesus. Some of us enjoy the thrill, while others prefer a steady, predictable path. However, the essence of following Jesus involves embracing both the exhilarating and challenging moments. We explored Mark 8, where Jesus shifts his focus from performing miracles to preparing his disciples for the reality of his mission, which includes suffering, rejection, and ultimately, crucifixion.
Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say I am?" and then, more pointedly, "Who do you say I am?" Peter's declaration that Jesus is the Messiah was a pivotal moment, yet it revealed a limited understanding. Peter saw the Messiah as a political or military leader, not grasping the full scope of Jesus' mission. Jesus clarified that being the Messiah meant enduring suffering and rejection, a concept that was difficult for Peter and the others to accept.
We discussed the hazards of becoming spiritually disoriented, much like being in the dark on a roller coaster. This disorientation can lead us to prioritize human ways over God's ways and accept half-truths as more palatable than outright errors. Jesus' rebuke of Peter, calling him "Satan," highlighted the severity of misunderstanding God's plan.
To truly follow Jesus, we must transition from the roller coaster of fluctuating faith to the steady train of discipleship. This involves three key practices: denying self, letting self die, and practicing being like Jesus. Denying self means giving up personal desires that conflict with Jesus' teachings. Letting self die involves embracing the discomfort and sacrifice that come with true discipleship. Practicing being like Jesus means consistently choosing actions and attitudes that reflect His character, even when it feels difficult or counterintuitive.
Ultimately, the journey of discipleship is not about seeking thrills but about reaching a destination. While roller coasters go in circles, trains move toward a specific goal. By committing to the discipleship train, we move closer to becoming who Jesus calls us to be, experiencing true life and fulfillment in Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Discipleship as a Roller Coaster: Following Jesus can feel like a roller coaster with its highs and lows. Some enjoy the thrill, while others prefer stability. However, the journey of discipleship involves embracing both the exhilarating and challenging moments, understanding that our faith journey is shaped by our choices and responses to Jesus' call. [34:20]
2. Understanding Jesus as the Messiah: Peter's declaration of Jesus as the Messiah was significant but incomplete. He saw the Messiah through a political and military lens, not grasping the full scope of Jesus' mission, which included suffering and rejection. This highlights the importance of deepening our understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him. [40:38]
3. Spiritual Disorientation: Like being in the dark on a roller coaster, we can become spiritually disoriented, prioritizing human ways over God's ways and accepting half-truths. This disorientation can lead us to misunderstand God's plan and act contrary to His will, as seen in Peter's rebuke of Jesus. [55:58]
4. Denying Self and Letting Self Die: True discipleship involves denying self, which means giving up personal desires that conflict with Jesus' teachings, and letting self die, embracing the discomfort and sacrifice that come with following Jesus. This process is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. [59:00]
5. The Discipleship Train: Unlike the circular path of a roller coaster, the discipleship train moves toward a specific destination. Committing to this journey involves consistent practices of denying self, letting self die, and embodying Jesus' character. This leads to true life and fulfillment, as we move closer to becoming who Jesus calls us to be. [01:22:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[14:42] - Community and Missions Update
[15:39] - Scripture Reading
[16:51] - Prayer and Worship
[31:34] - Roller Coaster Analogy
[34:20] - Discipleship Roller Coaster
[35:58] - Mark 8: Understanding Discipleship
[39:02] - Peter's Declaration
[40:38] - Misunderstanding the Messiah
[46:47] - Jesus Predicts His Suffering
[49:52] - Spiritual Disorientation
[55:58] - Denying Self vs. Self Denial
[59:00] - Letting Self Die
[01:02:50] - The Discipleship Train
[01:13:42] - Why Choose the Discipleship Train?
[01:22:50] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 8:27-38 - Jesus and His disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way, He asked them, "Who do people say I am?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." "But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah." Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about Him. He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But when Jesus turned and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" He said. "You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns." Then He called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His Father's glory with the holy angels."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the different opinions people had about Jesus' identity according to Mark 8:27-28?
2. How did Peter respond when Jesus asked, "Who do you say I am?" ([39:02])
3. What did Jesus predict would happen to Him in Jerusalem? ([47:18])
4. How did Jesus describe the requirements for being His disciple in Mark 8:34-35?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter's understanding of the Messiah was limited to a political or military leader? ([40:38])
2. How does Jesus' rebuke of Peter ("Get behind me, Satan!") highlight the severity of misunderstanding God's plan? ([52:12])
3. What does it mean to deny oneself and take up one's cross in the context of discipleship? ([03:21])
4. How can spiritual disorientation, like Peter experienced, affect our understanding and actions as followers of Jesus? ([55:58])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your faith journey felt like a roller coaster. How did you handle the highs and lows? ([34:20])
2. Peter declared Jesus as the Messiah but misunderstood His mission. How can you deepen your understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him? ([40:38])
3. Have you ever experienced spiritual disorientation, prioritizing human ways over God's ways? How did you realize and correct this? ([55:58])
4. Denying oneself involves giving up personal desires that conflict with Jesus' teachings. What is one personal desire you struggle to deny, and how can you work on this? ([03:21])
5. Jesus said that following Him involves letting oneself die. What does this look like in your daily life, and how can you embrace the discomfort and sacrifice it entails? ([07:43])
6. The sermon mentioned the difference between the roller coaster of fluctuating faith and the steady train of discipleship. What steps can you take to commit to the discipleship train and move closer to becoming who Jesus calls you to be? ([22:50])
7. How can you practice being like Jesus in your actions and attitudes, especially when it feels difficult or counterintuitive? ([11:19])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Roller Coaster of Discipleship
The journey of discipleship is often compared to a roller coaster, filled with highs and lows. Some people thrive on the excitement and unpredictability, while others long for a more stable and predictable path. However, following Jesus means embracing both the exhilarating and challenging moments. Our faith journey is shaped by how we respond to Jesus' call, whether in times of joy or difficulty. Understanding that these fluctuations are part of the process can help us remain steadfast in our commitment to Him. [34:20]
Mark 8:34-35 (ESV): "And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.'"
Reflection: Think about a recent high or low in your faith journey. How did you respond to Jesus' call during that time? What can you learn from that experience to help you embrace future highs and lows with faith and trust?
Day 2: Deepening Our Understanding of Jesus as the Messiah
Peter's declaration that Jesus is the Messiah was a significant moment, but it revealed a limited understanding. Peter envisioned the Messiah as a political or military leader, not fully grasping the scope of Jesus' mission, which included suffering and rejection. This highlights the importance of deepening our understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him. We must move beyond superficial perceptions and seek a more profound comprehension of His purpose and teachings. [40:38]
Isaiah 53:3-5 (ESV): "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."
Reflection: Reflect on your current understanding of Jesus as the Messiah. How does it align with the biblical portrayal of His mission? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of Jesus' true purpose and teachings?
Day 3: Overcoming Spiritual Disorientation
Spiritual disorientation can occur when we prioritize human ways over God's ways and accept half-truths. This disorientation can lead us to misunderstand God's plan and act contrary to His will, as seen in Peter's rebuke of Jesus. To overcome this, we must remain vigilant and grounded in God's truth, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all circumstances. Recognizing and addressing spiritual disorientation is crucial for maintaining a clear and focused path in our faith journey. [55:58]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you may be experiencing spiritual disorientation. How can you realign your priorities with God's ways and seek His truth to overcome this disorientation?
Day 4: Denying Self and Letting Self Die
True discipleship involves denying self, which means giving up personal desires that conflict with Jesus' teachings, and letting self die, embracing the discomfort and sacrifice that come with following Jesus. This process is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. By denying self and letting self die, we open ourselves to the transformative power of Jesus, allowing His character to be reflected in our actions and attitudes. [59:00]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: What personal desires or habits are conflicting with Jesus' teachings in your life? How can you begin the process of denying self and letting self die to align more closely with God's will?
Day 5: Committing to the Discipleship Train
Unlike the circular path of a roller coaster, the discipleship train moves toward a specific destination. Committing to this journey involves consistent practices of denying self, letting self die, and embodying Jesus' character. This leads to true life and fulfillment, as we move closer to becoming who Jesus calls us to be. By staying on the discipleship train, we can experience the transformative power of Jesus and reach the ultimate destination of spiritual maturity and fulfillment in Him. [01:22:50]
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV): "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily life to stay committed to the discipleship train? How can these practices help you move closer to becoming who Jesus calls you to be?
Quotes
1. "The best way to bring joy to others is to be a joyful person yourself. And the way we become joyful people is by doing what we're doing this morning. Gathering together to worship the Lord. So I'm so grateful that we're all here together." [15:39] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes being a disciple of Jesus Christ feels like being on a roller coaster and some of us enjoy it quite frankly some of us enjoy that thrill the the the high that we can get from following Jesus and then there are others that are like I don't enjoy that at all I would like for things to be very steady very calm very smooth don't jerk me around no highs and lows let's not go fast or too slow let's keep this like we should." [32:49] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In some respects the way we follow Jesus comes as a result of our own choices how we follow him and the and and the highs and the lows and how fast we go or slow we go or how disoriented we get sometimes that has to do with our personal choices more than it does anything else." [34:20] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Peter declares that he believes Jesus is the Messiah. Which is the right thing to say. When we think about roller coasters, until a couple of years ago, I've always been able to ride whatever roller coaster I wanted to ride. Then I had something go wrong in my neck, and so now I can't just ride roller coasters." [41:28] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There is a minimum to be a follower of Jesus Christ. And the minimum is that you acknowledge He is the Savior. Amen. You acknowledge He is the Messiah. He is who He says He is. And we must make that a personal declaration. In other words, we're not saying, I believe Jesus is who He is because I grew up in a family that believed that. That's not good enough." [43:25] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Spiritually we can get so in the dark that we don't understand that we're even in the dark. And that's what's happened to Peter. Peter has just said he's the Messiah yet he is so spiritually disoriented about who Jesus is and what it means to follow Jesus that he doesn't even realize that he's acting like and talking like Satan." [55:26] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When we're spiritually disoriented first thing that's happening is that we think human ways are more effective than God's ways. You see Peter when he's when he's looking at Jesus and he's saying Jesus you don't need to be talking like this this is not the way a Messiah talks. You need to start building your army. You need to start building your political party to rise you to power. Jesus said that's how humans do it. That's not how God does it." [57:41] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Denying self means that I give up something that I truly want because I'm following Jesus. I'm trying to be like Jesus. So because I'm following Him, I will deny myself what I want for Him. It has nothing to do with what I want. It has to do with what He wants and what He's asked me to do. That's denying self." [01:04:29] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You and I can truly know this is happening when it doesn't feel good. If it feels good, you're not dying to self. That simple. Because when we're dying to self, it never feels good. It feels as though we're missing out. It feels as though we're being taken advantage of. It feels as though we're getting the short end of the stick. It feels bad every time. Every time. It feels bad." [01:09:00] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Self-preservation. Always doing what we want leads to self-destruction. However, dying to self leads to true life. See, from a human point of view, we're losing ourselves, but from a divine perspective, we're finding ourselves." [01:14:17] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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