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Is Jesus Worth the Risk?

JESUS CALLS HIS FOLLOWERS TO A HIGHER LEVEL OF RISK

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. MATTHEW 16:24-25 NLT

JESUS WARNS ME WHAT’S REALLY AT STAKE

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.” MATTHEW 16:26-28 NLT

JESUS REVEALS HIS TRUE NATURE, TO THOSE WHO ARE READY

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy… MATTHEW 17:1-5 NLT

JESUS NOT ONLY REVEALS WHO HE IS, BUT WHO HIS FATHER IS

For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” ZEPHANIAH 3:17 NLT

…Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground. Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus. As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” MATTHEW 17:5-9 NLT

All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” LUKE 10:22 ESV

My Notes

Discussion Questions

Use the following questions to reflect on the sermon and choose a couple from each section to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: What do you think people are chasing today that looks valuable, but quietly drains their souls?
  2. START HERE: What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?
  3. START HERE: What about following Jesus in your actual, everyday life feels risky to you?
  4. KEEP GOING: Looking at your life, how can you determine whether you’re actually following Jesus or not?
  5. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 16:24-28 (NLT). What does “taking up your cross” practically look like in your schedule, relationships, and habits?
  6. KEEP GOING: Are there any parts of your life you’re keeping “off-limits” to Jesus? Why?
  7. KEEP GOING: All of human history is moving toward Judgment Day. What in your life won’t matter on that day? What will matter most?
  8. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 17:1-5 (NLT). What words do you most need to hear from your Father in heaven?
  9. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 17:6-9 (NLT). What does Jesus’ touch show you about how He handles our fear? To which of your fears would He be saying: “Don’t be afraid”?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: What are you holding onto today that you need to surrender to Jesus?
  11. LIVE IT OUT: What would you say to someone who is ready to hear the truth about Jesus?