For Our Young People

Peter’s Denial of Jesus

Instructions: Do this exercise in quiet surroundings. As you read the scriptures, imagine that you are part of the event. Visualize the scene. Hear the voices. Feel the emotions of the main characters.

ANALYZE THE SCENE.​—READ MATTHEW 26:31-35, 69-75.

How many people do you imagine were in the scene?

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Do you think that the ones who talked to Peter were friendly? curious? angry? other?

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How do you think Peter felt when being accused?

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Why did Peter deny Jesus? Was it lack of love or something else?

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DIG DEEPER.​—READ LUKE 22:31-34; MATTHEW 26:55-58; JOHN 21:9-17.

How might overconfidence have played a role in Peter’s error?

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How did Jesus show confidence in Peter, even though he knew that Peter would momentarily stumble?

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Though he denied Jesus, in what way did Peter show even greater courage than the other disciples?

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How did Jesus show that he forgave Peter?

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Why, do you think, did Jesus three times ask Peter: “Do you love me?”

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How do you think Peter felt after this discussion with Jesus, and why?

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APPLY WHAT YOU LEARNED. WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU LEARNED ABOUT . . .

Fear of man.

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Jesus’ compassion for his disciples, even when they erred.

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What about this account is most meaningful to you, and why?

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