Pray: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."

1. 1

   What do you learn about God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways, or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

2. 2

   Yesterday we ended with Jesus telling His disciples He was about to be betrayed and given over into the hands of sinners. In verses 43-50, who betrayed Him? What was the sign given to identify Jesus to His captors? In Jesus' reply to the men who arrested Him, what words indicate that He was not going to resist them? How does verse 50 relate to verse 27?

3. 3

   Verses 51-52 are unique to Mark's gospel. What happened to the young man? Note: Most scholars believe this was actually Mark himself. Remember, Mark was not one of the 12 disciples. It was suspected that perhaps Mark had been awakened from his sleep and told of the plot to arrest Jesus. In his haste to find the disciples and warn Jesus, he had not taken the time to fully dress before leaving his home. Once Jesus was arrested, he attempted to secretly follow them, but he was spotted, and they attempted to capture him too by grabbing his bedclothes. So he ran away, naked.

4. 4

   In verses 53-65, the chief priests, elders, and scribes presented Jesus before the high priest. Where did Peter try to hide and watch what was happening? The chief priests and the whole council could not find anyone to give a testimony against Jesus, but many gave false witness against Him. What was the problem with the false witnesses? Since the witnesses weren't working, what answer did Jesus give that caused the high priest to tear his garments and condemn Jesus to death?

5. 5

   In verses 66-72, we see the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy to Peter from verse 30. In Peter's 3 denials, how did his actions, words, and emotions display the fear and state of mind he was in when accused of being a follower of Christ? When Peter heard the rooster crow for the third time, what did he do?

6. 6

   Ponder: All Jesus' followers scattered, and Peter denied Him. While this was true at the time of Jesus' death, after His resurrection, His disciples endured much persecution and suffering for boldly following Christ. Acts 5:40-42 says, "…and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus." When you face resistance or opposition from those who oppose Christ, do you tend to stand for Him or withdraw? Read John 15:8 (Jesus speaking) and 1 Peter 4:12-14. How does this lead you to pray?