Sermon Cloud

Trial and Denial

Savior: The Gospel of Mark

Mark 14:53-72

Billy Blakey

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Questions for Further Discussion and Discovery

1. Why do the religious leaders oppose Jesus so forcefully (v.55)?  What can this tell us about the motives of those who are "religious" and reject or neglect Jesus today?

2. Why doesn't Jesus respond to the accusations brought against Him (v.61)?  What does His silence tell us about who He is and what He came to accomplish (Isaiah 53)?  How does Jesus' response here help us grow in our appreciation for Him?

3. In light of Philippians 2:1-10, how does this passage help us see Christ's willingness to set aside His "rights" and humble Himself?  Since we are instructed by Paul in Philippians 2 to think about ourselves in the same way that Christ thought about Himself, are there any "rights" you are unwilling to give up or ways in which you are unwilling to humble yourself to serve God's Kingdom?

4. How does Jesus' response to the High Priest's question serve as a warning (v. 62)?

5. What is the irony of the leaders and guards mocking Jesus by telling Him to "prophesy" (v.65)?

6. What had been Jesus' prediction regarding Peter (v. 30)?  Did this prediction seem to affect Peter at all?  What conclusions can we draw about the state of Peter's heart?

7. How did Peter's denial get progressively more intense (v.68-71)?

8. How do Peter's actions here relate to what Jesus desired of His followers in 8:34-38?

9. Are there any ways in which we can be ashamed of Jesus or His words in social situations today?

10. What was the first sign that Peter was genuinely repentant over His sin (v.72)?

11. Have you been truly broken over your sin before the Lord?  How can you tell?  What will true brokenness over sin lead to?

12. Is there any hope for those who are not broken over their sin?  Why or why not?

13. How does the life of Peter from this point forward magnify the saving and transforming grace of Christ?