34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life[d] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

1. Which story in chapter 1 encouraged you the most? Explain.

2. Discuss the implications of the following quote from Platt: “But if Jesus is who he said he is, and if his promises are as rewarding as the Bible claims they are, then we may discover that satisfaction in our lives and success in the church are not found in what our culture deems most important but in radical abandonment to Jesus.” (p. 3)

3. Mark 8:34 can be divided into three elements: deny ourselves, sacrifice, follow Christ. Which element is the hardest for you? Explain. Concerning these three elements, is God asking you to do anything radical?

4. According to Platt, Jesus “focused instead on the few who believed him and when he said radical things. And through their radical obedience to him, he turned the course of history in a new direction.” (p. 2) To what extent are you being discipled or discipling others? What’s impeding (if anything) you from beginning a discipleship relationship? 

5. What is the larger context of Mark 8:34-38? (read 8:31-33) Also, Jesus highlights the importance of his purpose/aim (my sake) and the gospel (8:35-37). How do Mark 8:31-33 and 8:35-37 relate to losing our lives?

6. In Platt’s discussion of “the cost of nondiscipleship” (pp. 14-17) he identifies two major consequences: “The cost of believers not taking Jesus seriously is vast for those who don’t know Christ and devastating for those who are starving and suffering around the world.” (pp. 16-17) How is Pathway proclaiming the gospel (sharing our faith) and living compassionately (helping those who significant needs)? What about you? To what extent are you sharing your faith and living compassionately? Explain.  

7. In Mark 8:38 Jesus connects the word “ashamed” with his call of radical abandonment. Have you ever felt ashamed of Christ? If not ashamed, which word(s) depict your feelings for not radically following Christ? 

8. Platt observes: “You know that in the end you are not really giving away anything at all. Instead you are gaining. Yes, you are abandoning everything you have, but you are also gaining more than you could have in any another way.” (p. 18) How does Matthew 13:44 and Platt’s comment relate to your relationship with Jesus and radical abandonment?