Falling Away from Jesus
A. The disciples were unable to cope with Jesus' suffering
1) Human limitations (27)
"You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: "`I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'
2) The prophecy of hope (28)
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
B. From trust to faith (29-31)
Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not." "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today--yes, tonight--before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times." But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.
1) The difference between trust and faith
2) Desiring to be filled with the Holy Spirit
Summary
The disciples, including Peter, were sure that they were prepared for martyrdom, and yet, at the time of Jesus' suffering, they responded just as Jesus had prophesied. They demonstrated the limitation of human trust. After the disciples encountered the risen Jesus, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and declared that Jesus was the savior, even if that meant that they would be martyred. Before Jesus died on the cross, they trusted Jesus with a limited human trust, but witnessing his resurrection and being touched by the Holy Spirit, their wavering trust turned into unwavering faith.
For Discussion
1) What does it mean to fall away from Jesus?
2) What is the difference between trust and faith?