Dr. Dave Whitaker | Mark 14:53-72
The story of God's Word is a story of redemption. God is actively using our failures and transforming them when we bring them to His grace. We don't have to defend ourselves when we go to trial. Jesus does that. He is our advocate, our defense attorney; He has already interceded on our behalf.
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These questions are provided for your further study and application of this message. It is helpful to discuss your answers with others such as your Community Group, family, friends or an accountability partner.
- What is your take away from this message?
- What can you infer about the fact that Peter was following Jesus, but at a distance? He is brave enough to follow Jesus to the high priest's house. Why does he now deny Christ?
- How ere the three denials similar? Different? In retrospect (see 14:29-31), how does Peter feel?
- What evidence do the chief priests initially seek against Jesus? Why do you think that Jesus, for the most part, remains silent?
- On what evidence is the final decision against Jesus based? Why would the chief priests see Jesus as a blasphemer?
- What is the significance of Jesus' messianic acknowledgement, the first direct confession recorded in Mark (see v. 62, Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13)?
- How seriously would a charge of blasphemy by taken by the Roman authorities (see 15:14)? How does this present a problem to the Jewish authorities?
- How does Jesus' behavior differ from that of the priests, elders and teachers?
- When, if ever, have you felt that your failures had made it impossible for Jesus Christ to use you again? What "rooster" reminds you of a failure and guilt? How does the story of Christ's death and resurrection apply to Peter? To you?
- Write out a prayer in response to what the Lord has taught you through this study and what steps in response He might want you to take.
