Matthew 26:69-27:10

Peter Disowns Jesus

Peter sat outside the courtyard and was approached by various people regarding his relationship with the King.

1. Review vs 69

-Why did the servant girl point this out? Did Peter think it was for a different reason?

2. Review vs 71

-Apparently, the motivation of this girl is a bit more clear...

-What would people in the crowd stand to gain by pointing out the followers of Christ? Did they become "enemies" when Jesus was arrested? Do you think they were in the crowd that gathered for the Triumphal Entry noted in Matthew 21: 1-11? Do you think they were followers then?

3. The story continues with yet another denial of Christ by Peter.

Consider this sequence of denials.

-Discuss why Peter responded in such dramatic ways when he was questioned.

-If you were Peter, how would you have responded to this questioning?

-Additional question: Is there a scenario in which you could see yourself denying Christ? What would the level of persecution have to look like?

Matthew 27

Judas saw that Jesus, an innocent- sinless- man was being condemned by priests as a result of an unfair trial. He recognized his sin and approached the priests and the elders.

As a group, discuss the betrayal of Christ by Judas.

-What was his motivation?

-Did Judas not see Jesus as innocent before committing to betray Him?

After sensing the gravity of his choices, Judas went away and hanged himself.

-Was this a response of guilt? Remorse? Some other feeling?

-Do you think that Judas felt that betraying Jesus was beyond forgiveness? If he had been in the company of Jesus over the last few years of His life, why would he think this?

-Is there a sin in your life that you feel is beyond forgiveness? Considering the heart of our Gracious King, why would you still feel that He wouldn't forgive you?

Final question: What do you feel the difference is between Peter and Judas and how they approached the choices listed above?

-What did their individual responses say about their relationship with Christ?

Teacher: Paul Sabino

Matthew 26:69- 27:10