March 20
Lesson 3
STRUGGLING FAITH
DEVOTIONAL READING: Jeremiah 3:12–18
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Mark 14:26–31, 66–72
MARK 14:26–31, 66–72
26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.
29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.
68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.
70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
Graphic: Dynamic Graphics/liquidlibrary/Thinkstock
KEY VERSE
Jesus saith unto [Peter], Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
—Mark 14:30
THE GIFT OF FAITH
Unit 1: Tests of Faith
LESSONS 1–4
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Summarize Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s denial and its fulfillment.
2. Suggest reasons why a disciple today can sink from great confidence of faith to denial in the space of a few hours.
3. Create a small group to encourage one another’s faith and perseverance.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. When Reality Doesn’t Match the Plan
B. Lesson Background
I. To the Mount of Olives (MARK 14:26–31)
A. Supper Ends (v. 26)
B. Jesus Predicts (vv. 27, 28)
Scattered Flocks
C. Peter Counters (v. 29)
D. Jesus Specifies (v. 30)
E. Peter Vows (v. 31)
No Hubris
II. At the Place of Trial (MARK 14:66–72)
A. First Confrontation (vv. 66–68)
B. Second Confrontation (vv. 69, 70a)
C. Third Confrontation (vv. 70b–72)
Conclusion
A. Gospels’ Variations
B. Hubris and Redemption
C. Prayer
D. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Babylonian Bab-ih-low-nee-un.
Darius Duh-rye-us.
Galilaean Gal-uh-lee-un.
Gethsemane Geth-sem-uh-nee (G as in get).
Kidron Kid-ron.
Maccabees Mack-uh-bees.
Persia Per-zhuh.
Zechariah Zek-uh-rye-uh
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What Do You Think?
What is most likely to cause “the sheep” to be scattered today? How can we prevent this?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding situations within the church
■ Regarding situations outside the church
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What Do You Think?
Under what circumstances should we make strong affirmations as did the disciples? Why?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Proverbs 15:23; 23:9
■ Ecclesiastes 5:2
■ Amos 5:13
■ Matthew 7:6
■ Acts 5:42
■ 1 Peter 3:15
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
Where can and should we seek help when our faith is tested? Why?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ In cases of overt faith-challenges from unbelievers
■ In cases of subtle faith-challenges from culture
■ In cases of moral failures of church leaders
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
How can a Christian use an experience of failure of faith to warn and teach others?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ In formal teaching settings (Sunday school, etc.)
■ In informal teaching settings (one on one)
■ In family settings
_____________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
Which Bible characters most inspire you to claim Christ when it is particularly difficult—even dangerous—to do so? Why?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Old Testament personalities
■ New Testament personalities
_____________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
Which Bible characters most inspire you to claim Christ when it is particularly difficult—even dangerous—to do so? Why?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Old Testament personalities
■ New Testament personalities
_____________________________________________________
Auen, Corey et al. “Struggling Faith.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2015–2016. Ed. Ronald L. Nickelson and Jim Eichenberger. Vol. 63. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 2015. 255. Print.
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