Where did you see God working around you this week?  How did that increase your HOPE?

 

 

Read Mark 14:53–65. What details in the passage reveal the injustice of Jesus’ trial (false witnesses, predetermined verdict, mockery, abuse)? Why do you think Jesus remains silent and does not defend himself? What does this reveal about how he deals with injustice?

 

 

Read Mark 14:66–72. Verse 54 says Peter was following Jesus “at a distance.” Where do you see distance from Jesus beginning to form in your own life (fear, busyness, reputation, pressure, disappointment)? What would it look like this week to move closer rather than remain at a distance?

 

 

Peter was confident in his loyalty earlier in Mark 14, but under pressure he denied Jesus three times. What kinds of situations today put pressure on believers to distance themselves from Jesus?

(workplace, social circles, cultural pressure, intellectual doubt, etc.). Where might you be tempted to stay silent or downplay your faith?

 

 

How is Peter’s crisis in this passage similar to or different from the doubts or struggles people experience today?  How can believers bring their struggles to Jesus rather than walking away from him?

 


In the middle of injustice, Jesus declares: “You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” How does Jesus’ identity and future victory change the way we view the injustice he endured?  Why is it important that Jesus willingly suffered injustice so that people like Peter, (and us) can be forgiven and restored?

 

 

Peter failed in this moment, yet Jesus later restores him (John 21). Is there any place in your life where you have been hesitant, silent, or distant in your relationship with Jesus? What is one concrete step you can take this week to openly identify with Christ rather than deny or distance yourself from him? Eg. Confessing sin, speaking about your faith, reconciling with someone, returning to prayer or Scripture, asking for help in a struggle.

 

Share that step with a friend and then asks them to pray for you.