The Christ of God

Luke 9:18-27

Key Verse: 9:20

“‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God.’”

1.      Read verses 18-19. What was Jesus doing? What about the disciples? Why did only Jesus pray? What might Jesus have been praying about? What question did Jesus ask his disciples? How did they answer? What does this mean?

2.      Read verse 20. What was Jesus’ second question? In what way is a question demanding a personal opinion different from a question asking for a report on factual information? How did Peter answer? What did he believe about Jesus?

3.      What does it mean that Jesus is the Christ of God? What does it mean for one to make this confession of faith?

4.      Read verses 21-22. Why did Jesus tell them to keep his identity a secret at this time? Why does he refer to himself as “the Son of Man?” (Dan 7:13,14) What did Jesus tell them about the work and life of the Son of Man? (Compare Isa 53:4-7) What was the mission of the Messiah? (Lk 24:44-47; Jn 1:29)

5.      Read verse 23. What are the requirements for discipleship? What does it mean to deny oneself? What does it mean to take up one’s cross? Why “daily”? What does it mean to follow Jesus?

6.      Read verses 24-25. What does it mean to try to save one’s life? In what ways do people try to save themselves? What is the difference in trying to save one’s life and losing it and losing one’s life for Jesus’ sake? What is the only way to save one’s very self? Why?

7.      Read verses 26-27. What is Jesus’ sure hope? What is the difference between not telling anyone (21) and being ashamed of Jesus? (26) What does it mean to “see the kingdom of God?” (27)