Main Scripture Reference - Mark 8:27-35
Other Scripture References: II Corinthians 11:24-28; John 6:66-67

INTRO–‘Who do You Say that I Am?’Read Mark 8:27-35

Potholes often appear in roadways but if left un-repaired can grow into sinkholes which can severely disable or damage your car. Just as a pothole can cause serious damage to a car, unfixed spiritual potholes can disable or even sideline your faith journey. Jesus wanted to make sure that his disciples understood exactly who he was and what his mission was so that they would not get totally sidelined with the upcoming events leading to the cross. The first thing he needed to know from them was who they thought he was. And in any journey with Jesus you too must answer the question, ‘who is Jesus?’

• Who is Jesus to you?


• Describe your personal faith story when you first confessed that Jesus was your savior.

ISSUE 1–‘Faith Challenge’Re-read Mark 8:31-33

The issue with Jesus’ disciples was not that they didn’t believe he was the Messiah, but in what they thought the Messiah had come to do. In their minds they believed that the Messiah would be a conquering king who would lead Israel out from under the Roman rule. And as his closest followers they would be the leaders in this movement. Jesus on the other hand had come as a king but to save the whole world from sin and death, and that road, he told them, would lead to suffering and death. If you follow Jesus and your expectations are that life will be nothing but good experiences, comfort, no struggles or pain, your expectations will not match your experience and your faith will be challenged. The truth is Jesus doesn’t promise those things.

• How has your faith in Jesus been challenged since you first became a Jesus follower? How do you work through those times in your life?


• Describe a time your expectations of being a Christian did not matched up to your experience. How did this affect your faith in God?

ISSUE 2–‘Imaginary Jesus’Read II Corinthians 11:24-28

This market driven consumer culture in which you live daily feeds you the idea that there is a cure for every problem and a solution to every need, you just have to buy it. And as a Christian it is easy to make Jesus into an all fix it God who is there to fulfill every desire and fix every problem. However, God is not as concerned with your comfort as he is with your character and often allows pain and struggle to take place to help change you into the person you need to be. If you are going to follow the real Jesus, and not one you have made up in your mind, you will go through periods of pain, struggle, and even persecution.

• Have you ever questioned God while going through pain or suffering? What happened?


• Describe a time that pain actually caused you to change for the better.


• What is one pothole you have had to struggle through this year? Has it changed you in any way?

RESPONSE–‘Be Resolved’Read John 6:66-67

What should be your response when you hit these potholes and struggles in life? It should be the same as Peter’s declaration, to continue following Jesus because only on his path is true life found. Every day make a decision that no matter what happens you will be resolved to follow Jesus. And Jesus will not only see you through life’s issue, but show you how to live as you change the world around you for the kingdom.

• What is the most challenging thing about trying to live like Jesus and following his example?


• How resolute are you in continuing to follow Jesus no matter what happens to you good or bad?


• What changes do you need to make in your thoughts, attitudes or actions to follow the real Jesus who calls you to take up your cross as well?