Positioning:

Context:

• Jesus is approaching the end.
• He has been telling his disciples what to expect.
• He reveals the meaning of communion.
• They dispute about which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.

Luke 22:25-27 “...And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves...”

What is the world’s definition of greatness?

• Achieving more than others.
• Possessing more than others.
• Having authority over others.
• Having others serve you.

What is the counter culture position that Jesus describes?

• Jesus demonstrated a life of serving others.

What position would you say your life choices and personal ambitions most closely resembles?

• We live in an extremely selfish culture.
• We can very easily be squeezed into the culture’s mold.
• We should be positioned to serve.
• We usually operate with selfish, not selfless, motives.

Matthew 26:30-32 “...And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee...”

Mark 14:26-28 “...And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee...”

What do you hear in these passages?

• They sang a hymn before going to the Mount of Olives.
• Jesus knew they would fulfill prophesy by falling away.
• He told them about post resurrection Galilee.

Matthew 26:33-35 “...Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same...”

Mark 14:29-31 “...Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same...”

Luke 22:31-34 “...Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me...”

John 13:37-38 “...Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times...”

What was Peter confident he could do?

• He was sure he could ‘stay the course’.
• He was sure he would stay with Jesus to the end.

What was Peter’s reality?

• He would cower in fear.
• He would deny Jesus three times before morning.

What was Satan going to do?

• Satan intends to sift the followers of Jesus like wheat.

Do followers of Jesus face various trials?

How does Jesus respond to Satan’s demands?

• He intercedes for believers.
• He prays that faith many not fail.
• He prays for ‘turning again’ to lead to strengthening others.

Are you confident in your ability to follow Jesus?

Why is it often difficult to follow Jesus?

What is your part in following Jesus?

What is God’s part?