Matthew 16:24-28
Key Verse: 24- Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

1. What had Jesus and his disciples been talking about? (21-23) Why had he rebuked Peter? What did Jesus say to his disciples? Read verse 24. What did he mean by, "If anyone would come after me..."?

2. What is the first requirement for discipleship? What does it mean to deny oneself? What does it not mean? Why is this necessary? How does Jesus himself illustrate self-denial?

3. What does it mean to take up one's cross? Think about Jesus' cross. What are some of the crosses that we as his followers must take up?

4. What does it mean to follow Jesus? Where does he go? What was his lifestyle?

5. Read verse 25. What does it mean to try to save one's life? To lose one's life for Jesus? Read verse 26. Why does Jesus ask these questions? Read verses 27-28. What are the rewards of a life lived for Jesus? What are the results of a selfish life?