3-15-2026: I'm Fixed Upon It

Sermon Title: I’m Fixed Upon It 

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55:8-9; Matthew 4:8-10,16:21-28; 1 Peter 2:21 

Sermon Focus: In the episode immediately after Simon’s great confession (“You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God”), and Jesus gives him his new name, Peter (rock), the Lord strongly rebukes Peter for being a stumbling block to him. And then Jesus uses that moment to challenge the expectations of the disciples and clarify what it means to follow him. In the fourth message of our series, Pastor David invites us to learn with Peter that Jesus is not the Messiah we expect—he is the Messiah we need. 

Thank you for going deeper in conversation with your small group. Use the following questions to help guide your small group discussion:   

  1. Begin by reading Matthew 16:21-28 to yourself silently, giving everyone a few minutes to read and reflect. After that, have someone read the passage aloud. How does this story encourage you? Also, how does it challenge you? 

2. What expectations did Peter have about the Messiah, and why do you think Jesus’ prediction of suffering was so difficult for him to accept?  

3. Pastor David listed three modern expectations that we have of Jesus. Talk about each of these. How do you see these at work in the church and culture today?   1. The Political Messiah - “Jesus will fix our country”  Jesus refuses to become a tool for political triumph and military conquest.  His kingdom advances through love and sacrifice, not by coercion and violence.  2. The Problem-Solving Messiah - “Jesus will fix my life”  Jesus doesn’t promise a life of ease and comfort, or an escape from trials and   suffering—he promises his presence through it and to use it for good.  3. The Customized Messiah - “Jesus affirms my agenda”  Jesus is not going to agree with all your beliefs, lifestyle, or ideology—he is the leader and you are the follower; we must let him redefine our expectations. 

4. Jesus says that anyone who wants to follow him must “deny themselves and take up their cross.” What do you think that practically looks like in everyday life? What might self-denial look like in relationships, work, or priorities? What might “taking up your cross” look like in American empire? 

5. Jesus says that whoever loses their life for his sake will find it (Matt. 16:25). Have you ever experienced a time when surrendering something to God actually led to deeper life or freedom? What might Jesus be inviting you to surrender or trust him with right now? Be specific as you share with your group. 

6. Think about the response question for the week: “How is Jesus challenging my expectations? Name one way you are feeling challenged in your faith journey. And how can your group support and pray for you in that area? 

7. LIFE ON MISSION QUESTION: Who around you is struggling or rejecting the Christian faith because of terrible things being done in Jesus’ name? What can you do to help them see the real Jesus? Close your time in prayer for them.