Hillside Missionary Church
Whether you’re a guest or a long-time attendee we’re glad you’re here with us. We’re a friendly and caring group of Christians who are here to help people be CONNECTED with Jesus, CHANGED by Jesus, and COMMITTED to the mission of Jesus. If you're new with us today, thank for joining us! We truly believe that you’re not here by accident and that God has some amazing plans for your life. If you’d like some information about who we are and how to get plugged in here at Hillside, please fill out the “I’m New” page on our website, hmcworship.com/im-new/
Luke 9:18-36 ESV
In this passage of God’s Word we see Jesus teaching His disciples who He is. But Jesus doesn’t just leave it at that; inherent in teaching them who He is, is teaching them what it means to follow Him. Knowing who Jesus is and following in His ways isn’t enough. We must acknowledge who Jesus is, accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior, and allow Him to transform us into the person who He created us to be. This is the foundation of which our faith is built, and it is imperative that we grasp it. Jesus’ instructions teach us that:
1. Jesus is God, and through having faith in Him we are saved
Luke 9:20, John 1:18, 3:16, 10:30-33, Phi. 2:5-6, Col. 2:9-10, Eph. 2:8-9
2. Following Jesus demands that we deny ourselves in pursuit of Him
Luke 9:23-27, 14:26-33, 16:33 2 Cor. 5:15, Gal. 2:20
3. Following Jesus means partnering with Him to further His Kingdom
Luke 9:33-36, John 15:4-5, Phil. 2:13, 1 Cor. 3:7
Reflection Questions
1. Jesus made sure that His disciples knew who He was, and it is imperative that we know who Jesus says that He is. Have you ever had an unhealthy mentality of who Jesus is? Why did you have that mentality? Does anyone close to you have an unhealthy mentality of who Jesus is? Why do you think they have that mentality? How could you come alongside them and let them know who Jesus said that He is in a healthy manor?
2. In Luke 9:23-27 Jesus told His disciples about the necessity of denying themselves in order to follow Him. In what ways have you felt the Lord leading you in the past to deny yourself? Were you faithful to that? In what ways do you feel the Lord leading you to deny yourself now and how can you be faithful to that?
3. Peter wanted to build tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah so that they could stay up in the mountain together. That wasn’t Jesus’ plan, though. Jesus had a plan that involved Him dying on the cross, resurrecting 3 days later, as well as His followers partnering with Him to further God’s Kingdom. In what ways do you feel led to partner with God to further His Kingdom, and how can you be faithful to His leading?