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Sermon Series: We are currently going through a sermon series in the Gospel of Matthew. Today, we’re talking about a passage of Scripture where Peter tries to control something that he can’t control. 

Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

⁴⁷ While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. ⁴⁸ Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” ⁴⁹ And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. ⁵⁰ Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.”^[a] Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. ⁵¹ And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant^[b] of the high priest and cut off his ear. ⁵² Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. ⁵³ Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” ⁵⁵ At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. ⁵⁶ But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council

⁵⁷ Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. ⁵⁸ And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. ⁵⁹ Now the chief priests and the whole council^[c] were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, ⁶⁰ but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward ⁶¹ and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” ⁶² And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?”^{[d] 63} But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” ⁶⁴ Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” ⁶⁵ Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. ⁶⁶ What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” ⁶⁷ Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, ⁶⁸ saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

Have you ever struggled with control? As is the case with many things, there’s a balance when it comes to control. In this part of God’s Word, we see Peter struggling with control, and Jesus giving us a perfect example of what it looks like to hand control over to The Father. By taking a look at this part of God’s Word, we can learn…

7 questions to ask ourselves when we’re struggling with control:

1. Why does this matter to me?

Matt. 16:24-25, Col. 3:13, Eph. 4:32, Gal. 6:2

2. Why has God allowed this to happen?

Ps. 46:10, 115:3, Matt. 5:45, John 9:3, Gal. 6:7-8

3. What would happen if I don’t control this?

Ps. 46:10, Prov. 19:21, Ps. 55:22, 1 Pet. 5:7, Phil. 4:6-7

4. What does God’s Word say?

2 Tim. 3:16-17, Heb. 4:12, Ps. 119:105, Matt. 4:4, Rom. 15:4

5. Is this mine to control?

1 John 4:18, Matt. 23:1-39, Ps. 115:3, Prov. 19:21, Rom. 8:28

6. Can I trust God no matter the outcome?

Prov. 3:4-6, 9:10, 37:4-6, Rom. 12:12, 15:13

7. What do I need to surrender?

Rom. 12:2, Matt. 26:39, Rom. 12:1-2, Luke 9:23-24

Reflecting on God’s Word

Getting Started

• Take some time to read over Matthew 26:47-68 and 27:11-14 and pray. 
• Have you ever read or heard about this before? What stood out to you as we were talking about it? 
• What surprised you as we talked about it?
• As you reflect on how Jesus reacted vs. the way that Peter reacted in this Scripture passage, what stands out? 

Diving In 

1. What area of your life are you struggling to control during this season of your life?
2. Looking at your answer from question #1, why do you think you’re struggling with that during this season? 
3. Using your answer from question #1, go through the 7 questions from the message outline. 
4. After completing the above questions, spend some time in prayer, asking God to help you surrender everything to Him. 

Applying the Scripture

What are your biggest takeaways from this passage of God’s Word? 

• What practical step(s) do you need to implement in your life to apply what God has taught you in this passage of Scripture? 
• How would applying this affect your life and your relationship with the Lord? 
• Who can you ask to keep you accountable to applying this to your life?

 

Small Group Guide: