Recap: In May and June we are looking in the book of Mark in the New Testament of the Bible and looking at encounters that people had with Jesus. These encounters with Christ changed their lives and they can change ours too. Throughout this series we’re learning about Jesus, what relationship with Him looks like and what He wants to do in and through our lives. On Sunday we looked at a teaching Jesus gave where he called people to step into the adventure of following Him, but it doesn’t sound, at first, like something we’d even want to do. Jesus went on to share the benefits of living a life where we “deny ourselves” and “take up our cross” and how it actually will lead to our best life.

(1)What’s the biggest adventure you’ve ever been on or taken?

(2)What’s your favorite adventure movie?

(3)Read Mark 8:34-37. What are you first thoughts as you read this passage?

(4)What’s the hardest part of “denying yourself” and letting Jesus be at the center of your decisions and life?

(5)Did you play Follow the Leader as a kid? Where do you find it hard to “follow” Jesus? Why?

(6)Read Mark 8:35-36. This is the reason for doing verse 34. What benefits do you see to living out v. 34 in these verses?

(7)Living the Jesus way isn’t easy but it is best. Jesus even says there is “nothing” in this world worth giving up your soul for. Where have you seen the benefits of living the Jesus way?

(8)What step can you take this week to follow Jesus?