Small Group Recap for Feb. 22, 2013

We had a very lively and sobering discussion last time. We are starting discussions around the crucifixion of Christ from six different perspectives. Each of these perspectives represent the sins that people commit which got Jesus on the cross.

1. The disciples
2. Religious leaders
3. Witnesses
4. Political leaders
5. The crowds
6. Soldiers

In our first discussion we started with the disciples. We talked about how they all believed up to a certain point—except one. They all seem to agree that Jesus is the Messiah. They all witnessed his miracles that confirmed his claims. They all followed and learned from him. They all exercised the power he conferred onto them. Yet they had a very hard time letting go of their ideas about what a Messiah is suppose to do and be. And they didn't believe Jesus when he defined what they should expect.

Then we focused on two followers in particular: Judas and Peter. They both represent the disciples struggle to believe. And they represent how the disciples all abandoned the Lord in his greatest time of need. But these two also denied the Lord for different reasons.

Judas

• Judas just didn't believe. Jesus knew this the whole time. (John 6:60-64 and 70-71.)
• Judas was dishonest. (John 12:1-6; Mark 14:3-10; Matthew 26:14)
• He deliberately betrayed Jesus. He proactively sought out the religious leaders and desired a bribe. (Exodus 23:8; Luke 22:47-48)

What were the sins that Judas committed that led to Jesus crucifixion? List as many as you can determine. Why do you suppose Judas was like this? What motivated him?

Peter

• Peter struggled to accept Jesus' words. (Matthew 16: 21-23)
• He didn't believe Jesus' assessment of him. (Matthew 26:31-35)
• But when Peter gets confronted after Jesus' arrest, he openly denies even knowing Jesus—fulfilling what Jesus said would happen. (Luke 22:54-62)

What were the sins that Peter committed that allowed Jesus crucifixion? List as many as you can determine. Why do you suppose Peter caved so easily when confronted about his association with Jesus?

The rest of the disciples abandon Jesus. (Mark 14:46-52) Why do you think they did this?

How do these close disciples reflect struggles today? And in what ways can we see the sins that caused Jesus death reflected in ourselves.