Speaking up for what is right in the face of pressure has always been difficult. Peter had every reason to believe his life was at stake, and denied Jesus. Our lives are not threatened, so why do we remain silent too many times?
Worship this week: Saturday, 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel
Sunday, 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School and Fellowship Hour
March 23, 2014
John 18:12-27
Key Verses: “One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, ‘Did I not see you in the garden with him?’ Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.” John 18:26-27
Time: 30 CE
Background: In John’s gospel, Judas came to arrest Jesus at the garden with a detachment of soldiers and police from the chief priests and Pharisees. Jesus came forward willingly, knowing his time had come. Prepared for a fight, Peter and the other disciples drew their swords. Peter even cut off the ear of the slave of one of the high priests before Jesus calmed the crowd.
Jesus was not as silent in John’s gospel as in the others. Instead, he spoke plainly, challenging them to find untruth in his words. They could not, of course. But perhaps they were more afraid of the truth of his words than of lies.
Community: What lies are being told that are so subtle that our culture accepts them as truth? How might you uncover some of those lies for yourself? Once discovered, how might you learn to live differently?
At Home: How often do you let peer or cultural pressure shape your behaviors? When was the last time you stood up against pressure to conform or compete? How might you let go of the desire to engage in those comparisons or competitions?
Read This Week:
Monday, Mar 24, The Plot to Kill Jesus, John 11:45-57
Tuesday, Mar 25, Mary Anoints Jesus, John 12:1-8
Wednesday, Mar 26, The Plot to Kill Lazarus, John 12:9-11
Thursday, Mar 27, Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, John 12:12-19
Friday, Mar 28, Some Greeks Wish to See Jesus, John 12:20-26
Saturday, Mar 29, Jesus Speaks about His Death, John 12:27-36
Next Week: Sunday, Mar 30, Jesus and Pilate, John 18:28-40
