Mark 14:53-72
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth. - Isaiah 53:7
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” - Psalm 14:1
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” - John 21:15
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” - John 21:16
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” - John 21:17-18
(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” - John 21:19
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. - Romans 8:1
Life Group Discussion Questions
What is indicated by the way Jesus was arrested and the way his trial was conducted?
Why should the council have believed Jesus’ shocking statement in verse 62? What evidence have we seen in Mark’s gospel that this is truth and not blasphemy?
If the success of God’s kingdom work in the world depended on the moral fiber of Jesus’ disciples, what would be its prospects, and why? What difference does this make in your life?
In what ways might you be following Jesus “from a distance”? Why? In light of who Jesus reveals himself to be in this passage, how might you hope to change that?