Today’s passage: Luke 22:54-65
Helpful thoughts:
- “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat…” (Verse 31)
- When identifying with Christ didn’t seem to be personally advantageous in the moment, Peter denied Him.
- It might seem easy to suspect that Peter was asked these questions in quick succession, in as little time as it takes us to read the passage. But there was time in between each question and denial (Verse 59). Peter had time to think about what he was doing, time for the pressure to build up to the moment the rooster crowed.
- There will be several violations of the law in how Jesus was tried as we continue to read through this account.
Questions to consider:
- Why do we ever think it not advantageous to be identified with Christ? What cares and concerns cause us to keep our mouths shut and our allegiance hidden? Is hidden allegiance true allegiance (Matthew 10:33)?
- Why do you think Peter wept bitterly? What kind of battle was going on in his heart? How confident had he been that he could withstand any attack or temptation? How had he responded to the warning he had received?
- When a person denies the deity of Jesus Christ (or even the existence of God), are they simply holding a different view than ours or are they blaspheming God? How can we respond in truth and love?