In light of the resurrection, there is greater meaning to the pathway of discipleship and its cost for us. We look at two passages from earlier in Luke’s Gospel to get a sense of the life of discipleship: 13:22-30 (teaching on the narrow door) and 14:25-35 (teaching on the cost of being a disciple).
SERMON OUTLINE
“In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” (Luke 14:33)
The Costly Doorway (Luke 13:22-30)
- Effort versus earning
- A time-limited offer
- An international gathering on the other side of the doorway
The Costly Pathway (Luke 14:25-35)
- What is more valuable than family?
- What is more valuable than suffering?
- Considering the cost
- What is more valuable than our possessions?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When have you done something that really cost you something or had to sacrifice one pursuit for another?
- This weekend we continue “The Kingdom Life” series by looking at two passages Luke 13:22-30 and 14:25-35. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you, and then read those passages aloud.
- Jesus makes a statement and then tells a parable that illumines that statement in 13:22-27. How would you summarize what Jesus is saying here?
- There are several implications of Jesus’ teaching, which He outlines in 13:28-30. Which of these stands out most strongly to you?
- In Luke 14, Jesus delvers further into the costs of following Him. In verses 26-27, how does Jesus describe the cost of discipleship?
- Jesus offers two examples of rightly assessing the cost in 14:28-32. What do those tell you about following Him?
- When has following Jesus cost you something relationally, materially, or in terms of suffering?
- Jesus’ description of salt not losing its saltiness conveys something not losing its value by ceasing to be what it is. What might this mean in terms of discipleship?
- What is one way that God is speaking to you personally through this study? If you’re on your own, write it down and share it with someone later. If you are with a small group, discuss this together.