Step 1: Opening and Introduction to the lesson: As a child, what was one big thing you really messed up on: Missing the catch for the final out? Forgetting the crucial line in the school play? Leaving something behind, never to be recovered? After messing up. What do you do?
Step 2: Hear – Read: Jesus to Annas and Peter’s Denials. John 18:12 – 27.
Step 3: Explore – Discover the Passage
- What do you think Peter and the other disciple hoped to do? How do you account for the difference between Peter here (v. 17) and in the garden (18:10)?
- What is ironic about the high priest’s questioning of Jesus? Who was the other disciple? What happens to the disciples? To Jesus?
- How has Jesus taught? How does Jesus distinguish right from wrong? How do Jesus’ answers expose this trial as a mockery (v. 23)? If you were there, what would you have done on Jesus’ behalf?
- What feelings must Peter have had after the rooster crowed (v. 27; see 13:37-38)? What do you suppose Peter did at that point?
Step 4: Connect – Apply the Passage:
- How does the story of Peter both humble and encourage you? When have you felt like Peter?
- How do you explain the ups and downs in your own spiritual life?
- When have you dealt with someone whose mind was so made up that the facts didn’t matter? How do you distinguish right from wrong? How do you deal with this when it relates to your faith?
ow can you fulfill this commandment
Step 5: Reflect: …testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth…
