MESSAGE NOTES AND INDIVIDUAL/GROUP REFLECTION QUESTIONS, 3/17/24
During this Lenten season, we hope that you will journey to the cross through the eyes and experiences of the apostle Peter. In doing so, may you find yourself in his flawed humanity and deep faithfulness that came through encountering Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. This week, we focus on Peter’s denying his inevitable denials of Jesus.
- When have you been overly confident that you wouldn’t do something, but you end up doing it? What caused you to do it? How did it make you feel when you did it?
- Read Matthew 26:30-35. In what ways can Peter’s denial of his future denials serve as a reminder of the complexities of human faith and the frailty of our convictions?
- Considering the prophecy of Jesus regarding Peter’s denial in v. 31, how does this event highlight the fulfillment of divine foreknowledge and the unfolding of God’s plan?
- Why do you think Peter is so confident that he would never deny Jesus? What do you think was the cause(s) of his future denials of Jesus?
- Exploring the reasons behind Peter’s denial, such as ignorance, forgetfulness, pride, and fear, how do these factors resonate with your own struggles in maintaining faith in Christ?
- Reflecting on Peter’s journey, his ultimate character flaw seems to be that of impatience? As a good Jew, how might he have had a different outcome if he had remembered Lamentations 3:18-24. And how does this passage inform and encourage you moving forward with the Lord?
PRAYER
Gracious God – I know that, like Peter, I am flawed and faithful. Forgive me for my denials (external and internal) of you. Overcome my ignorance, forgetfulness, pride and fear with wisdom and courage. Thank you that your faithfulness to me is greater than I ever thought it could be.