You Are the Christ
Mark 8:27–38 | Leader & Student Information

Tyler Bowles • Associate Pastor
October 14, 2026

2 Minute Read
Week 4 Devotional
Scripture

Lesson Summary

Jesus asks His disciples who people say He is, then makes the question personal: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter correctly identifies Him as the Christ, God’s promised King. Yet when Jesus explains that He must suffer, die, and rise again, Peter resists. He has the right title but expectations that need correcting.

We can also want Jesus to fit our plans. We may welcome forgiveness, comfort, or belonging while resisting His authority. Jesus calls us to receive Him as He reveals Himself: the suffering and risen Saviour who is also Lord.

Following Him means denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and surrendering our claim to control our lives. This does not earn salvation; it expresses genuine faith in the One who saves us by grace. Jesus challenges us to consider whether temporary success or approval is worth forfeiting our souls. His identity demands a response: will we trust Him and let Him lead?


Small Group Questions

Understanding & Application
  1. What views of Jesus do you encounter outside church? Which are most appealing to people your age, and what might they leave out?
  2. Read Mark 8:29–33. Peter gave the right answer about Jesus but resisted His mission. Where might we use the right Christian words while still wanting Jesus to follow our plans?
  3. Finish this sentence honestly: “If I follow Jesus, I expect Him to…” Which expectations come from Scripture, and which might come from your own desires?
  4. What is the difference between trusting Jesus as Saviour and treating Him as someone who offers forgiveness while leaving you in charge? How does receiving Him as Lord affect ordinary decisions?
  5. What would denying yourself and following Jesus look like in a situation you currently face? What might obedience cost you?
  6. Jesus asks whether gaining the whole world is worth forfeiting your soul. What version of success most attracts you? How could pursuing it compete with following Christ?
  7. When are you most tempted to hide your faith or distance yourself from Jesus’ words? What would help you respond faithfully?
  8. How is costly obedience a response to salvation rather than a way to earn it? What next step would express your trust in Jesus as Saviour and Lord?
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Up Next
From this Author: Tyler Bowles
October 14, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
God’s Name
Week 4 Devotional Scripture Exodus 20:7 (ESV) Lesson Summary A name represents a person. God’s name represents who He is, so the way we use His name matters. The third commandment calls us to honour Him rather than use His name carelessly, claim His approval for things He has not said, or pretend to follow Jesus while deliberately living a lie. Jesus teaches us to pray that God’s name would be treated as holy. We put that prayer into practice through truthful words, trustworthy promises, kindness, and courage to do what is right. Our lives should reflect the character of the Saviour we claim to follow. When we fail, we do not need to pretend we are perfect. Jesus offers forgiveness through His death and resurrection. We can confess our sin, apologize to those we have hurt, and make things right where possible. Honouring God includes being honest about our need for His grace. Small Group Questions Understanding the Passage How would you feel if someone used your name to tell a lie or make fun of you? How does that help you understand why the way we use God’s name matters? What makes it easy to use God’s name without thinking—in conversation, messages, jokes, or online? What could help you change that habit? Why might someone say that God agrees with them when they are really sharing their own opinion? How could you check whether something is actually taught in the Bible? Jesus says our yes should mean yes and our no should mean no. When is telling the truth hardest for you? What would help you be trustworthy in that situation? If a classmate knew you followed Jesus, what might they think about Him after watching how you treat people? Where could your actions give a clearer picture of His kindness? What is the difference between pretending to be a Christian while living a lie and following Jesus but honestly admitting when you sin? How does Jesus’ forgiveness help us stop pretending? Read Matthew 6:9. What is one practical way you could honour God’s name this week through your words or actions?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

Currently Reading
October 14, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
You Are the Christ
Week 4 Devotional Scripture Mark 8:27-38 (ESV) Lesson Summary Jesus asks His disciples who people say He is, then makes the question personal: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter correctly identifies Him as the Christ, God’s promised King. Yet when Jesus explains that He must suffer, die, and rise again, Peter resists. He has the right title but expectations that need correcting. We can also want Jesus to fit our plans. We may welcome forgiveness, comfort, or belonging while resisting His authority. Jesus calls us to receive Him as He reveals Himself: the suffering and risen Saviour who is also Lord. Following Him means denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and surrendering our claim to control our lives. This does not earn salvation; it expresses genuine faith in the One who saves us by grace. Jesus challenges us to consider whether temporary success or approval is worth forfeiting our souls. His identity demands a response: will we trust Him and let Him lead? Small Group Questions Understanding & Application What views of Jesus do you encounter outside church? Which are most appealing to people your age, and what might they leave out? Read Mark 8:29–33. Peter gave the right answer about Jesus but resisted His mission. Where might we use the right Christian words while still wanting Jesus to follow our plans? Finish this sentence honestly: “If I follow Jesus, I expect Him to…” Which expectations come from Scripture, and which might come from your own desires? What is the difference between trusting Jesus as Saviour and treating Him as someone who offers forgiveness while leaving you in charge? How does receiving Him as Lord affect ordinary decisions? What would denying yourself and following Jesus look like in a situation you currently face? What might obedience cost you? Jesus asks whether gaining the whole world is worth forfeiting your soul. What version of success most attracts you? How could pursuing it compete with following Christ? When are you most tempted to hide your faith or distance yourself from Jesus’ words? What would help you respond faithfully? How is costly obedience a response to salvation rather than a way to earn it? What next step would express your trust in Jesus as Saviour and Lord?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

October 11, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
The Deceiver Is Deceived
Scripture Genesis 29:1-30 (ESV) Additional Texts Proverbs 26:27 (ESV) Ecclesiastes 7:15 (ESV) Galatians 6:7-10 (ESV) Romans 8:28 (ESV) Watch The Sermon If you haven’t yet, be sure to watch the sermon to join the discussion.Watch the service Message Summary Jacob arrives in Haran after fleeing from Esau. Although Jacob’s deception has caused great pain and forced him to leave home, God is still working in his life. At a well, Jacob meets Rachel, Laban’s daughter, and God’s providence becomes evident. Jacob obeys his parents’ instructions not to marry a Canaanite woman and begins working for Laban. Jacob agrees to serve Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel. Because of his love for her, the seven years seem like only a few days. However, Laban deceives Jacob and gives him Leah instead. The deceiver has been deceived. Jacob then agrees to work another seven years to marry Rachel as well, creating a deeply troubled family situation. The story raises the question of whether people always reap exactly what they sow. Proverbs describes the general pattern that evil actions often bring destructive consequences, while Ecclesiastes reminds us that life is not always simple. Righteous people sometimes suffer, and wicked people sometimes prosper. We cannot always identify the exact reason for every hardship. Nevertheless, Galatians 6 reminds us that God is not mocked. We should not grow weary of doing good, even when the results are delayed or difficult to see. Ultimately, sin is the problem in Jacob’s family and in our own lives. Sin creates relational damage, injustice, favouritism, and suffering, but God has defeated sin through Jesus Christ. We can bring the mess created by sin to Him. Small Group Questions Opening Question Have you ever experienced a situation where doing the right thing seemed to bring difficulty while someone doing wrong appeared to benefit? Understanding the Passage Why had Jacob left home, and what was he hoping to find in Haran? What did Jacob agree to do in order to marry Rachel? How did Laban deceive Jacob? What consequences began to develop because of the decisions made by Jacob and Laban? How do Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Galatians together help us understand the idea of “reaping what we sow”? Growth and Application Where can you see God’s providence at work in Jacob’s life, even though Jacob was dealing with the consequences of his own sin? Have you ever assumed that your past failure placed you outside of God’s purposes? How does Jacob’s story challenge that assumption? How should God’s sovereignty encourage us when our own sin or mistakes have made life more difficult? Are there consequences from past decisions that you need to accept rather than continue trying to escape or deny? Where are you tempted to believe that immediate results are the best measure of whether you are doing what is right? How do you respond when someone who has acted dishonestly or selfishly seems to prosper? What is the danger of assuming that every hardship is a direct punishment for a specific sin? Are there any ways you are currently sowing to the flesh rather than sowing to the Spirit? Where are you tempted to grow weary of doing good because you do not see results? How can you continue doing what is right when the outcome seems unfair? What relationships in your life may be suffering because of favouritism, comparison, resentment, or unresolved sin? Is there someone you need to treat with greater honour, patience, or compassion? What mess created by sin do you need to bring honestly to Jesus? Gospel Connection Genesis 29 shows how sin creates a tangled web of deception, broken trust, manipulation, favouritism, and pain. Jacob’s sin affected not only him but also Esau, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, Rachel, and eventually the next generation. Our own sin also creates a mess that we cannot repair through our own efforts. Yet God sent Jesus Christ to defeat sin, death, and the grave. At the cross, Jesus took the judgment we deserved so that those who trust in Him can receive forgiveness and restoration. How does the gospel give you hope when you see the damage caused by your own sin or the sin of others? Prayer Pray for: Humility to recognize the damage sin creates. Wisdom to learn from the consequences of past decisions. Patience when doing good does not seem to produce immediate results. Strength to continue sowing to the Spirit. Grace to treat others with honour rather than comparison or favouritism. Forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ. Faith to trust God’s providence even when life seems unfair or confusing.

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

October 7, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Worship the Living God
Week 3 Devotional Scripture Exodus 20:4-6 (ESV) Lesson Summary The first commandment teaches us to worship God alone. The second teaches us to worship Him as He has revealed Himself. God’s command against carved images does not forbid art; it forbids making images to worship. The living God cannot be reduced to something we create or imagine. Idols are not always statues. Money, popularity, possessions, comfort, or success can draw our hearts away from God. These things cannot give us the lasting hope and security He provides. God’s jealousy expresses His holy, protective love: His people belong to Him, and He calls them to undivided worship. We learn what God is like through His Word and, most clearly, through Jesus, the image of the invisible God. Although our families’ choices can influence us, we do not inherit their guilt—or their faith. Each of us needs to trust Jesus personally and follow Him, knowing that God is faithful and merciful. Small Group Questions Understanding the Passage What are some good things that can become too important? How can you recognize when something is starting to take God’s place in your life? Have you ever discovered that something you thought about God was different from what the Bible teaches? What can help us know God as He really is? The Israelites made a golden calf while waiting for Moses. When you feel impatient, worried, or unsure, what do you turn to for comfort? What could trusting God look like instead? God’s jealousy expresses His protective love for His people. How does knowing that God loves you change the way you hear His command to put away idols? Read Colossians 1:15–17. What does this show you about Jesus? How can knowing Him better help you trust and worship God? Having Christian parents does not automatically make someone a Christian. What does it look like to trust Jesus personally? Who could help you work through your questions? What might be drawing your heart away from God? What is one practical step you could take this week to follow Jesus more faithfully?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

October 7, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
To Whom Shall We Go?
Week 3 Devotional Scripture John 6:60-71 (ESV) Lesson Summary After Jesus taught that He is the bread of life, many who had followed Him found His words difficult and turned away. His imagery of eating His flesh and drinking His blood points to receiving Him by faith and trusting His sacrifice for sinners. Jesus offers eternal life, not simply teaching we find comfortable or useful. When Jesus asked the Twelve whether they also wanted to leave, Peter answered that Jesus had the words of eternal life and confessed Him as the Holy One of God. Peter’s trust rested on who Jesus is, rather than on having every question answered. True discipleship rests on who Jesus is, not on whether His teaching feels acceptable. Judas remained among the Twelve, yet did not genuinely believe. Being close to Christian people or activities is not the same as personally trusting Christ. The passage calls us to examine the foundation of our faith, bring honest questions to Jesus, and continue following Him when His words challenge us, or others walk away. Small Group Questions Understanding & Application What is the difference between trusting Jesus and simply liking His teaching? How might that difference show up in everyday life? When you encounter a difficult teaching in the Bible, how do you usually respond? What could help you explore it honestly rather than avoiding it? Jesus called Himself the bread of life. What do you look to for lasting satisfaction or security? How is receiving Jesus by faith different from admiring Him? Read John 6:68–69. Peter stayed because of who Jesus is. What gives you reason to trust Jesus when you do not understand everything? When friends or people you respect question or leave Christianity, how does that affect you? What support would help you keep exploring your questions and following Jesus? Judas remained among the Twelve without genuine faith. How could someone be involved in church or youth without personally trusting Christ? What does this invite us to examine in ourselves? Where is Jesus’ teaching challenging you right now? What step of obedience could you take while continuing to work through your questions?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

September 30, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
No Other Gods
Week 2 Devotional Scripture Exodus 20:1-3 (ESV) Lesson Summary Before giving Israel the first commandment, God reminded them that He had rescued them from slavery in Egypt. Their obedience was a response to His rescue. The LORD alone was their God, and they were to worship Him without giving their allegiance to another god beside Him or instead of Him. God deserves our whole heart because He alone is the true God. Elijah’s confrontation with Baal showed the difference between the living God and a powerless idol. Psalm 115 reminds us that idols cannot hear, act, or save—and that what we worship shapes us. We may not bow before statues, but possessions, popularity, friendships, or success can still take God’s place. These can be good gifts, but they cannot give us the life and lasting satisfaction that God provides. Jeremiah compares turning from God to leaving a fountain of fresh water for a broken container that cannot hold water. God calls us to worship Him alone because He is our greatest treasure. Three Main Ideas God saves: Israel’s rescue depended entirely on God. God calls us to obey: Obedience follows salvation; it does not earn it. God sets His people apart: God’s people belong to Him and are called to show His goodness to others. Small Group Questions Understanding the Passage Why does God remind Israel of their rescue before giving this command? How does that help us understand why we should obey Him? Read Mark 12:28–30. Jesus says the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. What would that look like in your everyday choices? How should loving God affect the way you treat others? Read Matthew 4:8–10. What was Jesus being asked to put before God? When might you be tempted to disobey God to gain something you want? What we trust and worship shapes us. How might making popularity, possessions, or winning most important change the way someone treats other people? Do you recognize any of that in yourself? Why is a broken water container a good picture of things we expect to satisfy us instead of God? What is one practical way you can turn toward God this week?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

September 30, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Struggling, Stammering, Stepping, Starting
Week 2 Devotional Scripture Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV) Lesson Summary The disciples obeyed Jesus by crossing the lake, yet they still found themselves struggling against the wind and waves. When Jesus came walking on the sea, He revealed His authority over creation. Peter stepped out of the boat because Jesus commanded him to come. His confidence rested in Jesus, not in his own abilities. Faith is trust in action, based on who Jesus is. It means recognizing Jesus, listening to His Word, and acting in obedience. Faith is not reckless behaviour or a way to make God fulfil our wishes. It trusts His sovereignty even when circumstances remain difficult. When Peter became afraid and began to sink, he cried, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately rescued him and challenged his doubt. Following Jesus does not require flawless faith; it involves growing trust and returning to Him when we stumble. The account ends with the disciples worshipping Jesus and confessing that He is the Son of God. His identity calls us to trust, worship, and obey Him. Small Group Questions Understanding & Application The disciples encountered the storm while obeying Jesus. How does this challenge the idea that following Him should make life easy? Peter waited for Jesus to say, “Come.” What is the difference between acting in faith and taking a reckless risk? How can Scripture help us recognize the difference? What might your “boat” represent—comfort, control, reputation, or something else? What clear act of obedience could require you to leave that security? When Peter began sinking, he cried out to Jesus. When fear, doubt, or failure grows in your life, where do you usually turn? What does Jesus’ response encourage you to do? The disciples ended by worshipping Jesus as the Son of God. How should recognizing His identity change the way you approach one situation you are facing this week?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

September 23, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Floating, Fishing, & Following
Week 1 Devotional Scripture Luke 5:1-11 Lesson Summary Peter had encountered Jesus before, but Luke 5 records a moment when he begins to understand more clearly who Jesus is. After an unsuccessful night of fishing, Peter allows Jesus to teach from his boat. Jesus then commands him to return to deep water and lower his freshly cleaned nets. Although the command conflicts with Peter’s experience, he responds, “At your word I will let down the nets.” The resulting catch is so large that two boats begin to sink. The miracle reveals more than Jesus’ ability to provide fish—it reveals His authority. Peter falls before Jesus, recognizes his own sinfulness, and calls Him Lord. Jesus does not reject Peter but tells him not to fear and calls him into a new mission. Peter and his partners then leave everything behind to follow Jesus. Peter’s response moves through three stages: Floating—Listen: Peter hears Jesus speak the words of life. Fishing—Obey: Peter follows Jesus’ command even when it challenges his experience. Following—Surrender: Peter recognizes Jesus as Lord and values Him above everything he leaves behind. Jesus is not only the Saviour who forgives sinners. He is the Lord who calls us to trust, obey, and follow Him with our entire lives. Small Group Questions Understanding the Passage What detail from Peter’s encounter with Jesus stands out to you most, and why? Why do you think Peter obeyed Jesus after explaining that they had worked all night and caught nothing? What does his response teach us about obedience? Why did the miraculous catch make Peter aware of his sin rather than simply excited about the fish? What is the difference between wanting Jesus as Saviour and recognizing Him as Lord? Why should we not separate the two? What could “leaving everything and following Jesus” look like in the life of a student? Is there an area of your life that is difficult to place under His authority?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

September 23, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Saved to Obey
Week 1 Devotional Scripture Exodus 19:1-6 (ESV) Lesson Summary When Israel arrived at Mount Sinai, God reminded them of everything He had already done. He had rescued them from slavery in Egypt, protected them through the plagues and Passover, brought them through the Red Sea, and provided food and water in the wilderness. Israel had not saved themselves. God carried them “on eagles’ wings” and brought them to Himself. The order of these events is important. God did not give Israel the Ten Commandments and promise to rescue them if they obeyed well enough. He saved them first and then taught them how His rescued people should live. Their obedience did not purchase salvation; it was meant to be their response to God’s grace. This pattern helps us understand the Gospel. We cannot save ourselves by following rules or doing enough good things. Jesus died and rose again to save sinners. Those who trust Him are forgiven and brought into God’s family. Because He has saved us, we learn to follow His ways. God’s commands are “words of life.” They reveal His character and teach us the good way He designed us to live. Christians obey God because we belong to Him, trust His wisdom, and know that His ways are better. Three Main Ideas God saves: Israel’s rescue depended entirely on God. God calls us to obey: Obedience follows salvation; it does not earn it. God sets His people apart: God’s people belong to Him and are called to show His goodness to others. Small Group Questions Understanding the Passage What did God want Israel to remember about their rescue from Egypt? Why does it matter that God saved Israel before giving them the Ten Commandments? What do you think God meant when He said He carried Israel “on eagles’ wings” and brought them to Himself? How can God’s commands be “words of life” instead of rules that prevent us from enjoying life? Which of God’s commands is difficult for you to trust or obey? What would it look like to remember God’s grace and follow Him in that area?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

September 13, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
God’s Plan Seems Backward
Scripture Genesis 25:19–34 Additional passages: Romans 9:10–13; Psalm 115:3 Watch The Sermon If you haven’t yet, be sure to watch the sermon to join the discussion.Watch Here Message Summary Genesis 25 introduces us to Isaac’s sons, Jacob and Esau. Isaac and Rebekah waited twenty years before God answered Isaac’s prayer for children. Their story reminds us that God’s timing is not always our timing. Before the twins were born, God revealed that the older son would serve the younger. This seemed backward because Esau, as the firstborn, would normally receive the birthright and inheritance. Romans 9 explains that God’s choice of Jacob was not based on anything Jacob had done. God chose Jacob according to His own purpose and will. Later, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a meal. Esau treated God’s covenant promises as though they were less valuable than his immediate physical needs. Jacob’s actions revealed his tendency to take matters into his own hands, while Esau showed that he did not value God’s eternal promises. The message challenged us to trust that God’s timing is better, His plans are wiser, and His priorities are more valuable than ours. Rather than forcing our own plans, we should act faithfully, pray, and wait on God. Above all, we should value the salvation God has provided through Jesus Christ and refuse to let temporary concerns distract us from eternal priorities. Small Group Questions Opening Question Have you ever had to wait longer than expected for something important? How did that experience affect your trust in God? Understanding the Passage What difficulties did Isaac and Rebekah face in Genesis 25:19–21? What does Isaac’s response teach us about how he handled their long period of waiting? What did God reveal to Rebekah about Jacob and Esau before they were born? Why would “the older shall serve the younger” have seemed backward to the people of that time? What do Jacob’s actions in this passage reveal about his character? What does Esau’s willingness to sell his birthright reveal about his priorities? How does Romans 9:10–13 help us understand God’s choice of Jacob? Growth and Application Where are you currently tempted to take matters into your own hands instead of prayerfully trusting God? What is the difference between acting faithfully and trying to force God’s plans? What temporary desires or concerns can distract you from valuing God’s eternal promises? How can you practically hold your plans loosely while continuing to make wise and faithful decisions? How should the gospel shape your response when God’s timing or plans are difficult to understand? How does remembering God’s eternal plan of salvation help you trust Him with the circumstances you do not understand? Prayer Pray for: Faith to trust God when His timing is different from ours. Humility to surrender our plans to His wisdom. Wisdom to act faithfully without trying to control God’s purposes. Greater desire for God’s eternal promises than for temporary satisfaction. A deeper appreciation for the salvation we have received through Jesus Christ.

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor