1. Choosing to Fight rather than Follow (26:47-56)

2.Choosing to Deny rather than Confess (26:57-75)

3. Choosing to Despair rather than Hope (27:1-10)

1.What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?

2.Think of a time you folded under pressure. What happened? Why do you think you responded the way you did?

3. Why does Peter try to defend Jesus with force (v. 51)? What does Peter think will happen? How does Jesus respond (vv. 52-54)? What are some ways we try to force God’s agenda on earth (or, in people’s lives), rather than trusting in him to establish his kingdom? Can you think of ways you try to do this?

4. Compare and contrast Jesus and Peter (vv. 57-75). How does Jesus “indict” himself (v. 64) before the Sanhedrin? Why does the High Priest react the way he does to Jesus’ confession (v. 65)? What is the consequence of Jesus’ decision to tell the truth? How does Peter deny his association with Jesus (vv. 69-75)? What’s the consequence of his decision to lie? What are some ways we deny the truth about ourselves to avoid pain? Can you think of ways you do this?

5. Compare Judas (27:1-10) and Peter (26:69-75). How are they similar? What’s the fundamental difference between them? How can despair keep us from coming back to Jesus? Where do you find this to be true in your life?

6. According to Matthew 27:11-26, who is responsible for the death of Christ (see vv. 20, 24-25). How are all of us ultimately complicit in his death? How is Barabbas a picture of each of us? How are the Jewish people?

7. According to Matthew, God is ultimately the one in control of Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, examination, and trial. Make a list of ways we see this in the narrative. How might this truth encourage you when you’re under pressure? How might it encourage you when you fold under pressure?

8. What’s one thing you can do this week to apply this passage?