Jonas Gahr Støre

DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. Where was Jesus going? Why do you think that Luke included this information in his account?

(Luke 9:51)

Jesus set out to go to Jerusalem.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

2. Why did Jesus send messengers ahead? Where did they go? (Luke 9:52)

Jesus sent messengers ahead of his group into a Samaritan town. He did this so that the

messengers might prepare for his arrival.

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3. Why didn’t the Samaritans welcome Jesus? How would you characterize the attitudes of the Samaritans? (Luke 9:53)

The Samaritan townspeople did not welcome Jesus because he was going to Jerusalem.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

4. How did James and John react to the rejection? How would you characterize their attitudes?

(Luke 9:54)

James and John suggested that Jesus allow them to call down fire from heaven to destroy the

village.

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5. How did Jesus respond to the suggestion of James and John? How would you characterize Jesus’ attitude? (Luke 9:55-56)

Jesus rebuked James and John.

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6. To what extent was the first man willing to go in order to follow Jesus? How did Jesus respond? (Luke 9:57-58)

This first man said that he was willing to follow Jesus wherever he goes. Jesus indicated to the man that he had none of the comforts of home.

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7. Have you ever agreed to do some ministry or service project at church and later regretted that decision because it was inconvenient or was too much work?

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8. When Jesus said to the second man “Follow me,” how did the man respond? (Luke 9:59-60)

The man said that he needed to bury his father first.

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9. What did the third person want to do before following Jesus? What did Jesus say about a person who makes steps toward the kingdom but then looks back? (Luke 9:61-62)

The third man wanted to go back home to say goodbye to his family. Jesus said that would-be followers who want to look back are not fit for

the kingdom of God.

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10. Given Jesus’ responses to these three men, how do you think that Jesus would answer the question “What is the cost of discipleship?” Are you a person who just talks about what you are going to do, or do you do it?

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11. What instruction did Jesus give the seventy two? (Luke 10:1-11)

Jesus instructed the seventy two to:a.Go two by two.b.Pray for workers.c.Do not take purse, bag or sandals; don’t greet anyone on the road.d.Stay with those who welcome you.e.Eat and drink whatever they give you.f.Heal the sick.g.If you are not welcomed say, “even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you.”

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12. What instructions has Jesus given you?

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13. What did the disciples report on their return? (Luke 10:17)

The disciples were joyful, saying “even demons submitted to us in your name.”

Nate Saint