BRIDGE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH RALEIGH
WE’RE ABOUT GLORIFYING GOD BY BRIDGING PEOPLE TO HIM THROUGH THE GOSPEL AND GROWING HEALTHY DISCIPLES.
Day 1: Understanding Justifiable Denial
Scripture Reading: Mark 14:43-50 (CSB)
43 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. With him was a mob, with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44 His betrayer had given them a signal. “The one I kiss,” he said, “he’s the one; arrest him and take him away under guard.” 45 So when he came, immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 They took hold of him and arrested him. 47 One of those who stood by drew his sword, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his ear. 48 Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture me? 49 Every day I was among you, teaching in the temple, and you didn’t arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then they all deserted him and ran away.
Commentary:
In Mark 14:43-50, we see Judas Iscariot betray Jesus with a kiss, a gesture usually reserved for respect and admiration. This betrayal under the cover of night, accompanied by a mob, marks the beginning of a series of events leading to the crucifixion. Despite being one of Jesus’ disciples, Judas chose self-preservation and personal desire over truth and integrity, exemplifying the concept of “justifiable denial.”
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you knew the right thing to do but chose not to do it? What motivated your decision?
How can you identify moments in your life where you might be practicing justifiable denial?
Song:
“Give Us Clean Hands” by Chris Tomlin
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to reveal any areas in your life where you might be denying Him through your actions or decisions. Pray for the courage to stand by your faith, even when it’s difficult.
Day 2: Jesus’ Trial Before Caiaphas
Scripture Reading: Mark 14:53-65 (CSB)
53 They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes assembled. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the high priest’s courtyard. He was sitting with the servants, warming himself by the fire. 55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they could not find any. 56 For many were giving false testimony against him, and the testimonies did not agree. 57 Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, stating, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another not made by hands.'” 59 Yet their testimony did not agree even on this. 60 Then the high priest stood up before them all and questioned Jesus, “Don’t you have an answer to what these men are testifying against you?” 61 But he kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest questioned him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 “I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? 64 You have heard the blasphemy. What is your decision?” They all condemned him as deserving death. 65 Then some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to beat him, saying, “Prophesy!” The temple servants also took him and slapped him.
Commentary:
Jesus is taken before the Sanhedrin and questioned by the high priest Caiaphas. Despite false accusations and an unjust trial, Jesus remains composed and declares His divinity when asked directly. The religious leaders react with outrage, condemning Him to death and subjecting Him to physical abuse and mockery.
Reflection Questions:
What can we learn from Jesus’ response to false accusations and unfair treatment?
How do you handle situations where you are falsely accused or mistreated?
Song:
“How Deep The Father’s Love For Us” by Stuart Townend
Prayer Focus:
Pray for strength and wisdom to handle false accusations and mistreatment with grace and dignity, just as Jesus did.
Day 3: Peter’s Denial of Jesus
Scripture Reading: Mark 14:66-72 (CSB)
66 While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the high priest’s maidservants came. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” 68 But he denied it: “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about.” Then he went out to the entryway, and a rooster crowed. 69 When the maidservant saw him again, she began to tell those standing nearby, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. After a little while those standing there said to Peter again, “You certainly are one of them, since you’re also a Galilean.” 71 Then he started to curse and to swear, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” 72 Immediately a rooster crowed a second time, and Peter remembered when Jesus had spoken the word to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Commentary:
Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, denies knowing Jesus three times despite his earlier bold claims of unwavering loyalty. When the rooster crows, Peter remembers Jesus’ prediction and breaks down in tears, realizing the gravity of his denial.
Reflection Questions:
What caused Peter to deny Jesus despite his earlier confidence?
Are there areas in your life where you deny Christ, either publicly or privately?
Song:
Jesus Paid It All” by Kristian Stanfill
Prayer Focus:
Pray for forgiveness for the times when you have denied Jesus and for the strength to remain steadfast in your faith.
Day 4: Pilate’s Decision
Scripture Reading: Mark 15:1-15
1 As soon as it was morning, having held a meeting with the elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin, the chief priests tied Jesus up, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2 So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 Pilate questioned him again, “Aren’t you going to answer? Look how many things they are accusing you of.” 5 But Jesus still did not answer, and so Pilate was amazed. 6 At the festival Pilate used to release for the people a prisoner whom they requested. 7 There was one named Barabbas, who was in prison with rebels who had committed murder during the rebellion. 8 The crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do for them as was his custom. 9 Pilate answered them, “Do you want me to release the king of the Jews for you?” 10 For he knew it was because of envy that the chief priests had handed him over. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd so that he would release Barabbas to them instead. 12 Pilate asked them again, “Then what do you want me to do with the one you call the king of the Jews?” 13 Again they shouted, “Crucify him!” 14 Pilate said to them, “Why? What has he done wrong?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” 15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them; and after having Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified.
Commentary:
Pilate finds himself in a position where he must choose between pleasing the crowd or doing what is right. Despite recognizing Jesus’ innocence, Pilate succumbs to the crowd’s demands and sentences Jesus to be crucified. Pilate’s decision highlights the dangers of valuing public approval over righteousness.
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever made a decision based on what is popular rather than what is right? What was the outcome?
How can you ensure that your decisions align with God’s will rather than societal pressures?
Song:
“I Will Follow” by Chris Tomlin
Prayer Focus:
Pray for the courage to make decisions that honor God, even when they go against the grain of public opinion.
Day 5: Reflecting on Jesus’ Sacrifice
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53:3-7
3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him. 4 Yet he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains; but we in turn regarded him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds. 6 We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished him for the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth.
Commentary:
Isaiah 53 prophecies the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, depicting Him as the “suffering servant” who bears the sins of humanity. This passage helps us understand the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus, who endured betrayal, denial, and crucifixion to fulfill God’s plan for redemption.
Reflection Questions:
How does reflecting on Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice deepen your appreciation of His love for you?
How can you live in a way that honors the sacrifice Jesus made for you?
Song:
“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” by Chris Tomlin
Prayer Focus:
Thank God for the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Ask for a heart that continuously reflects on His love and responds in faithful obedience.
Conclusion
This week, we’ve journeyed through the critical final hours of Jesus’ life, focusing on justifiable denial and the importance of standing firm in our faith. Let these lessons inspire you to live boldly for Christ, recognizing the areas where you need His strength and guidance to remain faithful.
Final Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your unwavering love and sacrifice. As I continue to walk with You, help me to identify and overcome the justifiable denials in my life. Give me the courage to stand firm in my faith, just as You stood firm for me. Amen.
WE’RE ABOUT GLORIFYING GOD BY BRIDGING PEOPLE TO HIM THROUGH THE GOSPEL AND GROWING HEALTHY DISCIPLES.