Read: Mark 14:53­–72

For younger children, consider reading “Everyone Leaves Jesus” in The Biggest Story Bible Storybook (pages 412­–17).

Reflect

In these two scenes surrounding Jesus’s arrest and trial, we find an important contrast. Jesus speaks boldly when confronted about his identity. He confesses that he is the Messiah, the Son of God and Son of Man, and that the high priest himself will one day witness his authority and power. Peter, on the other hand, denies Jesus and his own identity as a disciple of Jesus. Jesus stands boldly before the power of the Jewish religious leaders. Peter caves to the pressure of a servant girl. In this contrast, we see our hope. Jesus stands boldly where all others fall away. Our hope is not in what we can do for Jesus, but in what he has done for us.

Reflection Questions:

1. What do these verses teach us about Jesus?

2. What do they teach us about our response to Jesus?

Listen to: “Hallelujah, What a Savior!” (Chris Rice)

Pray

Jesus, you are the Son of God and Son of Man. Please forgive us for when we have denied you in our words and in our lives. Forgive us for when we have given in to fear and remained silent when we should have confessed your Name. Thank you for standing boldly when all others ran away. Help us to know more of your power and submit daily to your authority. Amen.