Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:66-72 (NLT) ~Peter Denies Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus speaking truth about His identity, and Peter denying who he really was. Peter denies on instinct of self-preservation. The end justifies the means in our logic. The realization and conviction in Peter’s heart.

Reading Psalms 11 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Sovereignty of God. The love of God that allows us to choose our own way and takes note of our hearts. Why do bad things happen? God slow to judgment to maximize opportunity for us to repent. It takes a change of perspective to go through hard things and say, “God, You are Good!”

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:53-65 (NLT) ~Jesus Before the Council~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The leaders condemn Him for saying He is who they have been waiting for. Lies reveal themselves, and truth speaks for itself. Jesus responds to the question of His identity. Jesus speaks truth and we can accept it or choose our selfish way. What sin looks like when its grown.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:43-52 (NLT) ~Jesus Arrested~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The human response to come prepared for violence. How fear drives a brutal response. How we rely on our own power instead of looking to and relying on God. Isaiah 53:7-12 (NLT). We are the rebels.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:32-42 (NLT) ~Jesus Prays in Gethsemane~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The sadness of the passage as Jesus faces his death and experiences grief. Wanting to immolate Jesus and His prayer “your will be done” in the dark times and struggles. Sin, Jesus taking on sin, being separated from the Father, and the Father being separated from the Son. Being alert, keeping watch for opportunities to share the good news and the love of God.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:27-31 (NLT) ~Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Not knowing what you are going to do until you are in the situation going though it. Peter not seeing things the way Jesus sees. Jesus warns of the scattering and wants His disciples to be prepared for the challenging times. Finding it helpful to enter hard times knowing that it will be tough but remembering Jesus’ words and encouragement.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:12-26 (NLT) ~The Last Supper ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The growth of the Disciples to trust Jesus’ instructions. Learning to hear and act on the voice of the Good Shephard. God tells us to “Go” and “Do” it is not in our own efforts that we find success. The disciples were worked up over the news of the betrayal and Jesus reassures them of His love. Singing a hymn, choosing Joy in the somber moment.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:1-11(NLT) ~Jesus Anointed at Bethany ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The tension in the air as Jesus has been talking about dying. One of the Disciples understands Jesus is going to die and gets scolded for her act. Are you concerned about helping the poor? Then help the poor. Showing both trust and honor in her act. The giving of gifts as expression of love, giving into relationships and giving to the poor.

Reading Psalms 10 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The observation that the wicked always seem to get away with things and the second part reminds us that God’s justice will prevail. Why do you stand so far away? Testing, and refinement of faith. The wicked thinking God is dead or has closed His eyes to their ways of oppressing others. David was a great king because he continued to trust in God and turn to God for favor. He always says that God is going to take care of the enemies.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 13:28-37(NLT) ~Jesus Speaks About the Future Cont. ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus wrapping up His teaching to the disciples. Recognizing the signs. The eternal quality of the Word of God. The difficulty for the disciples to receive this teaching at the time it was given. Not telling us when allows us the opportunity to walk by faith and trust the Word of God. Be alert, look for ways to share the love of God and the Good News.