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Brief Introduction:

Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." These are very strong words spoken by Jesus. How do they make you feel?

Scripture & Questions:

Read Matthew 16:21-28

Why do you think Jesus reacted so strongly to Peter\'s words?

What does it mean to take up your cross?

How can we lose our life for Jesus? Does that just mean physical death?

How are we in danger of gaining the world but losing our souls?

What reward is there in giving up our lives for Christ?

Discussion Questions:

Take time to acknowledge the meaning of Holy Week... Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. Share your thoughts on each and how you might celebrate them.

In what ways have you been wearing a cross, but not really bearing a cross?

With which of the following do you most need to trust God in order to die to self?

A) The agony I feel in giving up bad habits.

B) That God is good when I don\'t feel his presence or understand what he\'s doing.

C) Humility to depend on my spiritual family.

D) That God can work in and through me to change me and the world around me.

How can you become "new" in Christ? What are ways you get stuck in your faith? How can you move beyond this situation?

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, please forgive us when we have denied you and set you aside. We do want to follow you, Lord. We do want to take up the cross and follow you. We want to live our lives for you, Lord. Help us to truly die to self and make you the cornerstone of our lives. Amen.