Journey to the Cross ~ Are We On the Road for the Right Reasons?

Today’s sermon focuses on Luke 10 in the Lenten series “Journey to the Cross,” where we highlight various moments of Jesus’ final journey toward Jerusalem before the cross.  Today, we look at how Jesus appointed seventy-two to prepare towns for his arrival, instructing them to bring peace, heal, and proclaim the kingdom of God.  He warns of challenges and, upon their return, rejoicing in all their victories, reminds them to find joy in salvation, not accomplishments.  This encourages us to reflect on whether their walk with Jesus is about exalting ourselves or magnifying Jesus.  

Ultimately, we must ask, Are we on the road with Jesus for the right reasons?  Are the motivations of our hearts in the right place to be on the road with Jesus?  Are we seeking to make something great out of ourselves, or are we trying to make the name of Jesus great?

Recording

((Audio Only))

Study Guide

Take the sermon further with friends and family with these discussion questions.

1 – Why did Jesus instruct the seventy-two to pray for more laborers?
– Application: In what ways can you pray for more laborers in your own community to help share the message of Jesus?

2 – Why should we focus our joy on the fact that our names are written in heaven?
– Application: What are some practical ways you can keep your focus on the joy of salvation rather than on personal accomplishments?

3 – How can we make the name of Jesus great?
– Application: What are some specific actions or changes in your life that you can make in order to put the focus on Jesus and not yourself?

4 – How does the elevation of personal accomplishments diminish our witness about the Gospel?
– Application: How have you seen this in your own life and witness to Jesus and in others?

5 – What are some dangers of focusing on personal accomplishments rather than on our salvation in Christ?
– Application: Can you think of any examples from your own life where these dangers have become apparent, and how can we guard against them as we continue in our walk with Jesus?

Scripture References

Luke 9:51
Luke 10:1-20
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Genesis 2
Philippians 4:3
Revelation 3:5
Matthew 7:21-23
John 3:30

Other Resources