Driven By the Cross of Christ
Luke 23:26-34
1. Reflecting on Simon’s Role: In the sermon, Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry Jesus’ cross, which the speaker connects to Jesus’ command in Luke 9:23 to take up our cross daily and follow Him. What does “taking up your cross daily” look like in your own life? Share an example of a time when denying yourself and obeying God’s will felt challenging but ultimately rewarding.
2. Jesus’ Compassion Amid Suffering: Even as He was led to crucifixion, Jesus turned to the weeping women and urged them to weep for themselves and their children, showing deep compassion despite His own pain. How does this example challenge you to express compassion toward others when you’re facing personal hardship or suffering? Can you think of a situation where focusing on others’ needs helped you through your own trials?
3. Outrageous Forgiveness: The speaker emphasizes Jesus’ prayer, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” as a model of forgiving even those who harm us. How has experiencing God’s forgiveness in your life influenced your ability to forgive others? Discuss a practical step you can take this week to extend forgiveness to someone who has wronged you, no matter how difficult it seems.
4. The Cross as a Daily Drive: The main idea is that the cross of Christ drives us to daily self-denial, compassion, and forgiveness. Looking back at the sermon, how does remembering Jesus’ journey to the cross motivate you to live differently? As a group, brainstorm ways to remind each other of this truth in everyday life, such as through prayer or accountability.
Luke 23:26-34
1. Reflecting on Simon’s Role: In the sermon, Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry Jesus’ cross, which the speaker connects to Jesus’ command in Luke 9:23 to take up our cross daily and follow Him. What does “taking up your cross daily” look like in your own life? Share an example of a time when denying yourself and obeying God’s will felt challenging but ultimately rewarding.
2. Jesus’ Compassion Amid Suffering: Even as He was led to crucifixion, Jesus turned to the weeping women and urged them to weep for themselves and their children, showing deep compassion despite His own pain. How does this example challenge you to express compassion toward others when you’re facing personal hardship or suffering? Can you think of a situation where focusing on others’ needs helped you through your own trials?
3. Outrageous Forgiveness: The speaker emphasizes Jesus’ prayer, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” as a model of forgiving even those who harm us. How has experiencing God’s forgiveness in your life influenced your ability to forgive others? Discuss a practical step you can take this week to extend forgiveness to someone who has wronged you, no matter how difficult it seems.
4. The Cross as a Daily Drive: The main idea is that the cross of Christ drives us to daily self-denial, compassion, and forgiveness. Looking back at the sermon, how does remembering Jesus’ journey to the cross motivate you to live differently? As a group, brainstorm ways to remind each other of this truth in everyday life, such as through prayer or accountability.