1. Why do we fold? (vv. 54-62)

2. How can we be bold? (vv. 63-71)

For Further Thought and Discussion

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

Going Deeper
2. Read vv. 54-62. How does Peter dissociate himself from Jesus? From the other disciples? After his third denial, what does Peter remember (v. 61; see Luke 22:31)? What detail does Luke include here, that the other gospel writers do not (see v. 61)? Why is this significant? When does Peter remember what Jesus had told him? How does Peter respond (v. 62)? How is this the first step in Peter’s repentance (see Luke 22:32; compare 2 Corinthians 7:10)?

3. Read vv. 63-65. What game do Jesus’ captors play with him? Why is it ironic that they mockingly ask him to “prophesy” (v. 64; see Luke 18:32; 22:31)?

4. Read vv. 66-71. What question do the religious leaders ask Jesus (v. 67)? Why do they want him to answer this particular question (see Luke 23:2)? Why does Jesus refuse to give a direct answer (vv. 67-68; compare Luke 20:1-8)? What kind of answer does he provide (v. 69)? What two Old Testament passages does he allude to (see Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 110:1)? How does Jesus challenge the religious leaders’ concept of the Messiah?

5. What is Jesus’ final response to the religious leaders (v. 70)? How does he phrase his response? Why is this significant?

Application
6. Jeff noted that Peter is not someone we’d expect to fold under pressure (see Luke 22:31, 50). Why does Peter falter now? How do disillusionment and embarrassment rob us of boldness (compare Luke 24:21)? Where do you find this to be true in your own life? Why can we draw encouragement from Peter’s example (see Acts 4:12-13)?

7. Jeff noted several things we can learn from Jesus’ example about how to be bold (compare 1 Peter 2:21-23)? Which of these stood out to you? Why?

8. What’s one thing you can do this week to apply this message to your life?