Simple Discipleship: Following Jesus

Reflection Questions

Why this Word?

The word "disciple" appears 235 times in the New Testament — far more than "Christian" (3 times) or "believer" (15 times). Why do you think Jesus and the early church leaned so heavily on that word? What does the emphasis tell us about what it means to follow Him?

What Stands Out?

Jesus' call across the Gospels — to fishermen, a tax collector, a wealthy ruler, and a broken Peter — was simply: "Follow me."

• What stands out to you about who He called and how He called them?
• What does the breadth of that list (across class, gender, and level of faith) stir in you personally?

The sermon defined a disciple as a follower of Jesus — obeying what He teaches, loving what He loves, going where He leads, and enjoying the life He offers.

• Which of those four feels most natural in your life right now?
• Which one feels most challenging or convicting?

In John 6:66, a large group of disciples turned back because Jesus' teaching was too hard. The sermon pointed to this as both encouraging and convicting. Where do you find yourself on that spectrum — pressing in, or tempted to drift back?

Personal Check-In

The sermon asked: "How's your following going?" Take a few minutes to honestly reflect on each of these questions:

• Is there an area of Jesus' teaching you've been resisting or ignoring?
• Do your loves — your time, attention, and affection — reflect what Jesus loves?
• Is there somewhere you sense He's been leading you that you've been reluctant to go?
• Is following Jesus marked by joy in your life right now, or does it feel heavy and burdensome?

The sermon mentioned that people tend to gravitate toward one style of discipleship — teaching, community, mission, spiritual practices, service to the poor, etc.

• Which do you naturally lean toward?
• What might you be missing by not engaging the others?

Looking Outward

The Great Commission calls the church to make disciples — and the "how" involves going, baptizing, and teaching.

• What does it look like practically in your everyday life to participate in that calling?
• Who in your life might need someone to walk alongside them in following Jesus?

Closing Reflection

The sermon ended with this question: "To whom else would you go? There is no one else worth following." After thinking about that for a minute, ask:

• What competes for your allegiance right now?
• And what would it look like this week to take one clear step toward following Jesus more closely?