Bible Class: Denial is not just a river in Egypt

Denial is not just a river in Egypt John 18:15-26 Think of a time in your life where you “got caught with your hand in the cookie jar” or you did something you swore you would never do. How did you feel? Matt 10:33 But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven. A little back story on Peter Occupation His accolades and failures His bold statement John 13:36-38 His courage John 18:10-11 Denial John 18: 15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard,16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in. 17 “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” 18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself. 25 Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”He denied it, saying, “I am not.”26 One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow. What do you think prompted Peter’s denial? What did he fear? What is it Peter denied? What did Peter have to lose in being identified with Jesus? How and when are you tempted to avoid being identified with Jesus or his cause? What is it you fear? What is it you would lose? What breaks Peter’s string of denial? Luke 22:61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.Jesus turned and looked straight at Peter. Why? What kind of look do you think it was? What did it communicate? What “wakes you up” to your sin? How does Jesus look into your life? Once Peter recognizes what he has done, what is significant about his response? Why does he weep? What is your response once you realize your own sin? What can you learn from Peter about dealing with sin and temptation in your own life? In what situation do you need to stand up for Jesus instead of denying him?