Cairn Endings Explained: Why Reaching The Summit Is A Tragedy
A Bible Study on the game Cairn
Not sure where to get started? Find our 101 Guide to using our curriculum here.
Opening Prayer
Start with a prayer inviting understanding.
Sample Prayer:
God, thank you for loving us before we achieve anything. Thank you that we do not have to climb every mountain to prove we matter. Help us notice the good things that may be getting out of place in our lives. Teach us to deny the false self that tries to save itself through success, approval, ministry, work, or perfection. Lead us toward the life Jesus offers. Help us come home alive. Amen.
Prep Questions
Have you ever worked really hard for something good, but later realized it was costing you more than you expected?
Why do we sometimes admire people who push themselves past healthy limits?
What is a dream, goal, calling, or responsibility that can become dangerous if it gets out of place?
When you hear Jesus ask, “What does it profit?” what comes to mind?
Shortened Transcript
In Cairn, Aava is an elite climber trying to summit Mount Kami, a mountain no one has ever climbed before. Her goal is impressive, but the higher she climbs, the more the mountain starts to take over. The people who care about her begin to feel like interruptions. Her body, limits, and relationships start to seem like obstacles.
Jesus asks in Mark 8:36, “What will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?” This is the heart of the sermon. Aava’s mountain is not evil, but it becomes dangerous when it starts acting like a savior. We can do the same thing with work, ministry, success, approval, creativity, or being needed.
Jesus is not calling us to burnout or self-destruction. He is inviting us to stop trying to prove our worth through achievement. Sometimes faithfulness means continuing the climb. But sometimes faithfulness means coming home alive.
