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Bible Minute
Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Free Email Subscription
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Daily Bible Study
Date: Aug 16, 2013
Topic: Jesus, Obedience/Discipleship
Denying Jesus
In Durrenmatt's radio play, The Double, Diego tells Pedro (his double) that he [Pedro] will be executed for murder. Pedro protests: He never killed anyone and never would.
Diego confesses that he committed the murder but informs Pedro that, had he been in Diego's circumstances, he would have done the same. Pedro vigorously denies he would ever commit such a crime. But before the play is over, Pedro commits murder--not once but twice.
Receive
The apostle Peter was positive that he would never deny Jesus; yet, Peter's denial of his Lord is one of the most poignant narratives in the Bible. Jesus told Peter about his soon-to-occur failure during the Last Supper:
"Jesus said to him, 'Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.' Peter said to him, 'Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!' And all the disciples said the same" (Matthew 26:34-35, ESV).
What in this exchange between Jesus and Peter stands out to you?
Why was Peter so sure of himself?
Which of the disciples made the same claim?
After Jesus and His disciples finished eating, they went to the Garden of Gethsemane so Jesus could pray. It was there Judas betrayed Him. Read about it in Matthew 26 verses 47 and 56. Then answer the questions below.
Approximately how much time elapsed between Jesus' encounter with Peter and the time that Judas and the crowd arrived to take Jesus?
What was the crowd carrying?
How did Jesus' disciples respond?
Now, read Matthew 26:57-72.
Where did the crowd take Jesus immediately after they left the Garden?
Where was Peter while Jesus was being taken from the Garden to the residence?
Where did Peter remain while Jesus was taken inside?
"A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, 'You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.'
"Peter swore, 'A curse on me if I'm lying--I don't know the man!' And immediately the rooster crowed.
"Suddenly, Jesus' words flashed through Peter's mind: 'Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.' And he went away, weeping bitterly" (Matthew 26:73-75, NLT).
What was happening to Jesus while the bystanders were speaking to Peter?
What did those in the courtyard accuse Peter of?
What was his response?
How did Peter feel when he heard the rooster crow?
Reflect
Do you think you will ever deny Jesus?
What warning does the following verse give?
"If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12, NLT).
Note the words or phrases in the following verse that will help you stand for the Lord.
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are" (1 Peter 5:8-9, NLT).
Respond
Take time to pray now and ask God to help you live for Jesus--when you're alone, at school, with family, at work, with your friends and even when there could be ridicule or danger.
*Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve Him against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.--George Duffield, Jr.
*Public Domain
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