Last Week, Matthew 26:31-35

Matthew 26:31-35

1. How well did Peter know his heart?
Jeremiah 17:9
2. Has there been a time that your loyalty to Christ proved to be weaker than you thought it was?

Matthew 26:50-51, 56a
3. How can our desire to be loyal be transformed into a strong unwavering certainty?

Matthew 26:57-58
Peter's commitment level was strong in the upper room, but when he followed from a distance, his commitment level was affected.

John 18:15
The men who arrested Jesus took Him to the former high priest Annas (John 18:12-13). Annas was the father-in-law of the current high priest, Caiaphas. The high priest served as the president of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was a 71 man ruling council of the Jews, and at the time of Jesus it was made up of a Sanhedrin majority and a strong Pharisaic minority. These two religious enemies (the Sadducees and Pharisees joined forces to get rid of Jesus).
The Roman authorities permitted this Jewish high council to govern many of the Jew's affairs, both religious and political. The high priest at this time was appointed by Rome in consultation with the Sanhedrin. Powerful Sadducean families dominated the council. From A.D. 6-67, 16 men from only 5 different influential families served as high priest. Caiaphas was appointed by Rome about A.D. 18 but was removed in A.D. 36 or 37.


4. Imagine yourself in Peter's and the other disciple’s position. What feelings do you think you might have been experiencing in the courtyard?
5. When Christians experience momentary failure in their commitment to follow Jesus, what draws them back to Him?

Matthew 26:69-75
6. Why did Peter deny Jesus? (fear)

The crowing of the rooster caused Peter to see himself as he truly was, and he wept.
7. Do you sidestep talk about religion or your beliefs?
8. Do you change the conversation so that you do not have to mention anything that would set you apart as a Christian?

Conclusion
It is unlikely that any resident of America today would face arrest or death because of his or her commitments to Christ. But all of us in our own ways do share Peter's dilemma. He made a commitment to Jesus and was sure he would true to Him. But pledging loyalty is easier than remaining loyal.
Peter was surprised by his own weakness. Jesus had tried to warn him, but Peter would not listen. His arrogance made his failure doubly bitter. Fortunately, Peter's story does not end with despair. On the threefold denial of Jesus, Peter found loving, restoration by Jesus. (John 21:15-19)
You and I will face opposition to our faith also. We should expect persecution, and it will sometimes be severe. Like Peter, we should determine to remain faithful in it. But we should also remember both our weakness and God's magnificence. For only then will we seek the power of God to sustain us and trust in the grace of God to restore us.