In the Workshop--Lesson 21--Take Up Your Cross & Surrender--John 21 + Various Passages

Discussion Questions:

1.  What is your understanding of taking up a cross to follow Jesus?  Why is this a necessary step in living as an apprentice of Jesus?

2.  What are some things God has asked you to leave behind or let die in your life?  How are power and control false illusions of what the Kingdom of God is about?  Why is it so difficult to give up power and control?

3.  What kinds of struggles did Jesus have with carrying His cross (physically and emotionally)?  In what ways did God provide for His need and in what ways did God allow Him to struggle and persevere to victory?  What should we learn from God acting in both ways?

4.  How do a window and a mirror illustrate the problems we face being influenced by the world?  What are some things you do to put your flesh to death? 

5.  Why does God have us live in flesh, knowing the struggles we will have because of our flesh?  How does going through these battles lead us to entrust ourselves to our faithful Creator?