26-Mark: Deny Yourself: The Real Cost of Following Jesus
June 2, 2025

Key Scripture: Mark 8:34-38, Matthew 19:16-22

Key Takeaways:

  1. Following Jesus requires denying ourselves and our own desires that conflict with His will.
  2. What we need to deny may be different for each person - we must honestly examine our own hearts.
  3. Perfection and eternal life come through following Jesus, not through our own efforts or good deeds.
  4. Following Jesus may involve sacrifice and facing opposition from the world.
  5. Our souls are of infinite value to God, more than anything this world can offer.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does Jesus mean when He says we must “deny ourselves” to follow Him? How is this different from or similar to how our culture views self-denial?

  2. The sermon mentions that what we need to deny may be different for each person. What might be something in your life that you struggle to deny or give up in order to follow Jesus more fully?

  3. How does the story of the rich young ruler illustrate Jesus’ teaching on denying oneself? What was the “one thing” holding this man back?

  4. Pastor Chris said, “To enter into God’s eternity, we need to be perfect.” How does this statement make you feel? How does Jesus provide the way to perfection?

  5. What does it mean practically to “take up your cross” in today’s world? How might this look different for believers in various contexts?

  6. How do you reconcile Jesus’ warning that the world will hate His followers with the desire to be accepted or successful in society?

Practical Applications:

  1. Spend time in prayer this week asking God to reveal any areas of your life you need to deny or surrender to Him.
  2. Identify one specific way you can “take up your cross” and follow Jesus more closely in your daily life.
  3. Share the gospel with someone this week, even if it feels uncomfortable or risky.
  4. Memorize Mark 8:36 - “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

Closing Prayer

Encourage group members to continue reflecting on these themes throughout the week and to support one another in their journey of following Jesus.