Mark 8:34–38 | The Way of Jesus | September 13, 2026
Discussion guide
Growing as a disciple of Jesus is the process of reshaping our lives around the way, words and pace of Jesus. Discipleship is about formation not information, practice not principles, and obedience not admiration.
The Way of Jesus [Mark 8:34-38]
Opening Questions
Think about a skill, hobby, sport, or profession you've invested significant time in learning.
- What was the difference between knowing about it and actually doing it?
- When did you realize information alone wasn't enough?
In the sermon, we heard that many people are familiar with the way of Jesus, but familiarity is not the same as following the way of Jesus.
Read Mark 8:34-38 Aloud Together
- What word, phrase, or image stands out to you most?
- Which part of Jesus' invitation feels most attractive?
- What part feels most challenging?
The intentional way
Jesus begins in verse 34, "If any of you wants to be my follower...." The sermon emphasized that following Jesus requires intentionality, not merely familiarity.
- What is the difference between being familiar with Jesus and actually following Jesus?
- Where do you see that temptation in church culture today?
- Have there been times when you knew a lot about Jesus but weren't actively following him in a specific area of life?
- The sermon compared discipleship to hiking a route versus simply reading about it. What practices help you stay "on the trail" with Jesus rather than simply learning more information about him?
The Costly Way
Jesus says in verse 34, "...you must give up your own way." The sermon emphasized that the primary cost of discipleship is surrendering our agenda, priorities, and preferences to Jesus.
- Why do you think Jesus asks for our whole life and not just a portion of it?
- What are some ways people try to add Jesus onto their lives rather than surrender their lives to him?
- Which is harder for you: giving up control or giving up comfort? Explain.
- Where is Jesus currently challenging your way? Time? Money? Relationships? Ambition? Resentment? Reputation? Something else?
The Cruciform Way
Jesus says in verse 34, “... take up your cross, and follow me.” The sermon described the way of Jesus as a cross-shaped life of sacrificial obedience.
- When you hear "take up your cross," what comes to mind?
- How is sacrificial discipleship different from simply enduring hardships?
- Why do you think Jesus forms disciples through costly obedience rather than comfort and ease?
- Can you think of someone whose life demonstrates sacrificial faithfulness? What stands out about them?
The Upside-Down Way
Jesus says in verse 35, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.” The sermon described this as one of the kingdom's great paradoxes.
- Where do you see the world's definition of success competing with Jesus' definition of life?
- What are people in our culture encouraged to pursue in order to "find themselves"?
- How does Jesus challenge those assumptions?
- Have you ever experienced deeper joy, freedom, or peace after surrendering something to God that you initially wanted to keep? Share a story if appropriate.
The Public Way
Jesus says in verse 38, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my message...”The sermon emphasized that following Jesus is personal, but never private. Real discipleship eventually becomes visible.
- Why can it be difficult to publicly identify with Jesus today?
- What does being "ashamed" of Jesus look like in subtle ways?
- How should following Jesus affect the way we live at work, school, with neighbors, or online?
- If someone observed your life for one week, what evidence would they see that you are following Jesus?
Practicing the Rule of Surrender
Take 2-3 minutes in silence. In prayerful silence, ask, "Jesus, where in my life are you calling me to follow, and what would it look like to follow you here?"
- What specific area came to mind?
- What is one concrete step of obedience you can take this week? Some examples: Initiate forgiveness. Practice generosity. Release control over an outcome. Prioritize time with God. Have a difficult conversation. Publicly identify yourself as a follower of Jesus.
Prayer
Close by praying for one another's area of surrender. Encourage everyone to pray throughout the week: "Jesus, what would it look like to follow you here?" and to pay attention to the ways Jesus may be inviting you to surrender your own way and embrace his.