When you consider how you want to view yourself, and how you want others to view you, what comes to mind? Unfortunately, the desire for others to think well of us can become an all-consuming trap of self-focus. Not only that, but when people build us up or tear us down, that doesn’t ease the desire, but fuels even more self-focus.

Luke introduces us to a man named Simon. Simon was special, noticed, and well thought of by others. He also promoted himself as being someone great. Any of us, in this same situation, would be quick to focus on ourselves. As a new Christ-follower, Simon was now going to navigate what greatness truly meant in light of Christ, rather than in light of himself.

• If you were Simon, what would you think about yourself?
• Based on what Simon thought about himself and what others thought about him, what do you see happening in Simon’s future?