There are seven types of story that come up again and again across every time and culture. This term we’ll explore those stories, consider what they tell us about our humanity, and how they help us understand the true story of Jesus.
Today, we’re thinking about Quest stories.
Ask for a volunteer to pray a short prayer that however much they’ve come to know Jesus, they’d know him better as a result of your time together.
Ready for Impact (10 minutes)
Ask group members:
- How do you feel about taking risks?
Impacted by the Word – Part One (10 minutes)
This video tells the true story of Maurice Wilson, a mountaineer who embarked on a risky quest.
Download this video to watch offline or read the transcript here.
Quests speak to our sense of adventure and our desire to be part of something greater than ourselves. Quest stories are normally long and involve many trials as characters pursue their goals.
- Can you name any other Quest stories that you enjoy?
- Why do you think Quest stories are so popular?
Impacted by the Word – Part Two (10 minutes)
Ask for a volunteer to read Luke 9:22-26 to the group.
This video will help your group consider the quest that Jesus calls all of us to.
Download this video to watch offline or read the transcript here.
- Jesus calls his disciples to do three things. Describe them in your own words.
- How do you feel about Jesus’ call to his disciples?
- Some people think that Christianity is just about doing, or not doing, certain things. How is Jesus' call much more radical than this?
To Jesus’ listeners, the cross spoke of judgement, shame and death.
- Jesus says following him means taking up your cross daily (verse 23). What do you think he wants the disciples to understand by this?
- Why does Jesus say it is worth joining him on his quest? (verses 24-25).
Jesus’ own quest to save us cost him his life (verse 22). But he considered it worth it.
- How does Jesus’ own quest give us reasons to trust Him?
‘Son of Man’ is a term Jesus commonly used to refer to himself. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus uses this title 25 times. It’s likely that Jesus is alluding to Daniel 7, where ‘the Son of Man’ is a highly exalted figure. Jesus is claiming this role for himself. He is the Divine One, come to rescue and restore all things.
There was a common misconception amongst the Jewish people about how God’s king would establish his reign. In Luke 9, Jesus is trying to correct their misconceptions. He will be like no other king. The reign of the Son of Man will come through suffering and death. Jesus will establish his kingdom through becoming a man, suffering the judgement that is rightly ours and taking it upon himself.
Impacting Our Hearts (15 minutes)
In a society where we’re encouraged to pursue self-fulfilment, self-denial feels wrong.
Yet, our love for Quest stories suggests that we see the goodness of living for something instead of ourselves. And Jesus clearly states that it’s where true life is found. As we give ourselves to something bigger than ourselves - to Jesus – we can find freedom.
Discuss these questions, as honestly as you feel able:
- Are there areas of your life where you’re fearful of Jesus’ call to ‘deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow him’?
- Can you think of times when you’ve seen or experienced the goodness of following Jesus in this way?
- Where might God be leading you to say no to your own desires, and say yes to Jesus?
The Heidelberg Catechism summarises the essentials of the Christian faith. It was written for Christians to say out loud together.
Post the image below in your group chat. Give everyone a moment to read it through. Ask someone to read it aloud to the group, or say it all together.
Lead your group in a time of prayer asking that the Spirit would help you to give up your comfort so that you can give your entire self to Jesus and his service.
If you’re able to sing in your group time, why not consider some of the following songs: Build My Life, I Will Offer up My Life, Jesus I My Cross Have Taken
Impacting the University (10 minutes)
We all instinctively feel that we need to live for something bigger than ourselves. That’s why we tell Quest stories. Jesus claims that the ultimate quest of following him hinges on sacrifice.
Sacrificial suffering isn’t just something that Jesus did for us, but also something he invites us to do with him. As we embrace the cost of loving the people he loves, his kingdom grows.
This blog contains stories of graduates from around the world.
Pick one of the stories to read to your group.
- What strikes you most about this story?
- How does this story inspire you to think about how your Impact Group might take up your cross at your university?
Pray for the person whose story you’ve just heard. Pray for your Impact Group to have opportunities to love and serve your university.
Wrap-up – TACOS 🌮
Thank You – Thank everyone for coming, and ask someone to thank God for your time together in prayer.
Ask – Ask those who are new to reading the Bible if they’d like to explore Uncover, a set of sessions in Mark’s Gospel, allowing them to investigate one of the earliest accounts of Jesus’ life alongside one of you.
Church and CU – What does the CU have planned ahead? And what help would group members value in finding a local church?
Others – Who else could you invite to join your CU Impact Group next week? These friends don’t need to be followers of Jesus and may really appreciate being invited.
See You Soon – Tell the group where and when you’ll meet next week, and arrange who will bring snacks. (You might like to alternate healthy and less healthy weeks!). See if anyone would be up for sharing a meal or just hanging out in the meantime!