Discover the Gospel of Mark in 3 WeeksSample

Letting Jesus Down (Mark 14:32-72)

Then everyone deserted him and fled. Mark 14:50 (NIV)

Context:

On Day 1 of this study we watched the historical background video on Mark. In it, Peter was identified as the apostolic eyewitness behind this Gospel. Today, you can re-watch that video if you need a reminder of who Peter was and some of his discipleship journey. This may help you to interpret today’s reading from his perspective.

Observation:

As you read Mark 14:32-72, highlight the ways the disciples let Jesus down during the hours of his greatest trial. Here are some that we found:

• Peter, James, and John are unable to stay awake in order to pray with Jesus before he is betrayed (Mark 14:37-41)
• An unnamed disciple (identified as Peter in John 18:10-12) tries to “help” Jesus through violent resistance (Mark 14:47)
• After his arrest, all of Jesus’s disciples deserted him and fled (Mark 14:50)
• Before the rooster crows twice, Peter denies Jesus three times (Mark 14:66-72)

Interpretation:

Put yourself in the shoes of Peter (and the rest of the disciples):

• How do you think Peter felt as soon as he became aware of all the ways he had let Jesus down in these final hours before the cross?
• Why do you think Peter was willing to let Mark write down these stories about his failures?
• Based off of the information you gathered from the historical background video, how might reading about Peter’s failures encourage Mark’s original readers?

Application:

Think of a time when you feel you “let Jesus down.” What happened? And, if you can answer this question, why did it happen?

Although we all desire to remain faithful to Jesus at all costs, we all, like Peter, fail to be consistently faithful. But Jesus is not surprised by this, nor does he disqualify us for our shortcomings. In fact, this is why Jesus came. This is why Jesus died.

Hold the memory of your failure before Jesus in repentance, and ask for his perspective on it. Then, walk away confident that Jesus has forgiven you and has called you to continue to partner with him in his kingdom mission.