LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive condition in which individuals can clearly see objects nearby, but struggle to see objects that are farther away. It affects 30-40% of people in the US. Over recent years, there has been an increase in children diagnosed with myopia, possibly due to spending too much time indoors, staring at screens, resulting in their eyes prioritizing near vision over distance vision. While many people suffer from myopia, many more suffer from “spiritual myopia”.

In our culture, it is easy to get lost in the here and now. We are surrounded by so many things that encourage success, wealth, power, and fame. Many choose to follow God because of what they can get from Him. But Jesus called us to live differently. We are to look beyond the here and now, past the narrowmindedness of this earthly life, and look forward to eternity with Him! We are to follow Him because He is God, worthy of all praise, and because He alone is enough, not because of our own benefit. As a result, we will choose to live a life that counters the view of the world around us. In this week’s study, we will learn about the cost that is required in order to do as Jesus commanded: deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.

Passages we’ll review:
Mark 8:31-38; Psalm 73:21-28

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you?

How do you respond when someone says something you don’t want to hear? Why?

In what ways has your life been different than what you expected?

READ
*Read Mark 8:31-33*

This was the first time Jesus had spoken plainly and openly to His disciples regarding His coming suffering and death.

How do you think Jesus’ disciples felt when He told them of His upcoming suffering and death? Why do you think Peter responded as he did?

Can you relate to Peter’s response? Explain.

Peter’s response to Jesus’ revelation of what was to come makes it clear to us that his understanding of what Jesus would encounter in His mission here on earth was very different from what Jesus knew He was called to do and would endure. Jesus rebuked Peter for setting his mind on the things of man rather than the things of God. Jesus knew that He was to be the Suffering Servant that Isaiah spoke of in Isaiah 53, that He must suffer, be rejected, and put to death. The punishment for sin is death, and only by His death could He pay the price for our sin! —Editor’s Note

What versions of Jesus do people try to create today? What kind of Jesus do people want?

Read Mark 8:34-38

Jesus knew that there were only two choices: we can either choose to see things man’s way or God’s way. It was at this point that Jesus moved from speaking only to His disciples to including the crowd surrounding them, for anyone who would listen. —Editor’s Note

Why did Jesus include the crowd in His teaching?

What does it actually mean to “deny yourself” in order to follow Christ? Is it the same as self-denial?

What did the cross mean in the first century, and how is that different from what it means to people today?

Jesus knew from the start that His purpose here on earth would lead Him to the cross. Everything He did was in step with God’s plan for the redemption of mankind and His glory. In the same way, we are called to take up our cross daily, submitting to His authority and following Him, regardless of where He leads. —Editor’s Note

Why is the call Jesus gave to His followers considered ‘radical’? How have we made the Christian life less radical than what the Bible calls us to? What makes it so difficult to choose to “lose” life now, choosing instead to live by the world’s view of success?

What are the answers to the questions Jesus asked in verses 36 and 37? Think of a time when you had to choose between following Jesus and something else that was important to you. How did you navigate that situation? What was the outcome?

How should we choose to live now so that Jesus will not be ashamed of us when He returns?

DIGGING DEEPER

Psalm 73 was written by the psalmist Asaph. As he observed those around him, he questioned God, asking why the righteous suffered while the ungodly seemed to prosper. Yet even in his doubt and questioning, God revealed the bigger picture of Himself and His plan to Asaph, who then responded to God in worship! —Editor’s Note

Read Psalm 73:21-28

What earthly desires compete with your desire for God? Do you ever doubt the goodness of God in your life?

How does Asaph’s response to God remind us of how we should view our own life circumstances?

How can you find comfort and strength in knowing that God is always with you, even when circumstances are difficult?

As a result of all that God had done for him, Asaph was motivated to tell others about all of God’s works, bringing glory to Him. Regardless of the choices we make in life, we can never get those chances back! We must make the most of every opportunity that we are given here on earth. —Editor’s Note

As Warren Wiersbe wrote: “Satan promises you glory, but in the end, you receive suffering. God promises you suffering, but in the end, that suffering is transformed into glory. If we acknowledge Christ and live for Him, He will one day acknowledge us and share His glory with us.”—Editor’s Note

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. Are you ashamed of Christ? Or do you live with a consistent devotion to Him no matter where you are or who you are around?
   

2. Is there anything you are not willing to let go of for the sake of following Christ? Is there anything you are holding onto that you shouldn’t?
   

3. Are there areas in your life where you need to shift your focus from earthly things to a more eternal perspective?
   

4. Are there areas in your life where you need to prioritize Jesus above your own desires? What sacrifices might be necessary in order to prioritize your relationship with God above everything else?