DiscipleshipCurriculum RaisingDisciples - Flipbook - Page 24
WEEK 3
The Discipleship Map
Compare the two lists by circling any responses found on both lists.
Ask participants what themes they notice in the differences between the two lists.
Say, “Parents, whether they are an active follower of Jesus or not, share many similar goals
for their children: that they would demonstrate kindness, respect authority, listen to their
leaders, good friend, try hard in school. These commonly held expectations are not
surprising. But for those who follow Christ and desire to raise their children to know the
Lord, our goal is not just to help them develop good character and work ethic. Our goal for
raising disciples should be the same as the goal for all disciples: to become more and more
like Christ every day.” (See Raising Disciples, 15.)
TIME OF PRAYER
Thank God for the opportunity to join Him in this important work of discipleship.
Pray for the participants in the book study.
Pray for the children represented by the participants in the room.
Ask for wisdom as you enter into the study of God’s Word.
Study God’s Word
Say, “As Jesus entered into his final year of earthly ministry, His instructions to the twelve
became more direct and challenging. He set a clear goal for their discipleship and for ours.”
BACKGROUND TO THE BIBLICAL TEXT
During the time of Jesus, “taking up a cross” would have been understood within the context
of a Roman crucifixion. When someone was sentenced to death, they would carry their own
cross (or crossbeam) to the place of crucifixion, symbolizing forced submission and
humiliation by those in authority. Those who carried their cross were not willing participants.
In this text, discipleship is described through three actions: denying oneself, taking up one’s
cross, and following Jesus. These actions signified an end to self-independence, calling for
self-denial and submission. Unlike crucifixion, the humble process of discipleship involves
willing and active participants.
ENGAGE SCRIPTURE
Read Luke 9:23-26
Keeping in mind the preceding background information, as well as the context on pages 3839 of Raising Disciples, guide a conversation to understand these verses:
18
