Tag: bsf lesson 23

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 23, Day 4: Nehemiah 2:11-20

January 28, 2026December 31, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Nehemiah 2:11-20

Nehemiah inspected the walls and gates. Then he told the people they would be rebuilding the wall and gates of Jerusalem. He told the people that God had helped him. They agreed to start the rebuilding process.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 23, Day 4: Nehemiah 2:11-20

9a) He probably wanted to see the scope of the project he was undertaking. He also probably wanted to go undetected by Jerusalem’s enemies, Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab.

b) We need to know what we are undertaking, so we can prepare properly for the task so that we will have success.

10a) He told them to rebuild Jerusalem so that they would no longer be in disgrace. He said they had God and the king on their side.

b) The desire to succeed. God’s will behind me. The sense of accomplishment. People move forward by honestly assessing their reality—the “rubble”—while anchoring hope in God’s faithfulness. Nehemiah showed that testifying to God’s past support inspires future courage. This blend of realistic evaluation and spiritual confidence empowers us to commit to the new work and say, “Let us rise up.”

c) By reminding them that we are in this together and by reminding them of the power of prayer and the Lord’s will. We encourage each other by sharing testimonies of God’s provision, just as Nehemiah shared how the “good hand of God” was upon him. Validating shared struggles (“we are in trouble”) while pointing to a shared hope creates unity, turning individual fear into collective resolve to “rise up and build.”

11a) Nehemiah had gotten the king on his side, as well as God. Nehemiah built confidence by anchoring his mission in God’s sovereignty. He countered mockery by declaring that “the God of heaven” guaranteed success. By asserting that his enemies had no “right or claim” in Jerusalem, he mentally disarmed them, refusing to validate their threats and keeping his team focused on their divine mandate.

b) Unsure. I definitely don’t face opposition like many others around the world. Opposition should force believers to clarify their allegiance. It strips away casual commitment, demanding a firm reliance on God’s power over human approval. Like Nehemiah, faith should become bolder under fire: believers define their identity in God, refusing to compromise with critics and publicly declaring His sovereignty as their only source of success.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 23, Day 4: Nehemiah 2:11-20

Again, we see the preparation behind the prayer to accomplish God’s will. We need to do this, too, in order to succeed. And, standing up to our enemies and following what we know to be true is the utmost calling on our lives.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 23, Day 4: Nehemiah 2:11-20

Again, Nehemiah was waiting God’s timing.

Nehemiah needed the help of the Israelites to accomplish God’s purposes for him and for His people. He asked the people to join His/God’s vision. God moved the hearts of the leaders to follow.

When doing God’s work, you should expect opposition, and the more important the work, the more opposition to expect.

The opposition were Jews of influence. This was a spiritual attack perpetuated by people. We must not fear scorn or looking dumb. If God is with us, it matters not what others think. You can’t allow your enemies to stop God’s work from happening.

When facing our enemies, we need to know who we are (children of God) and what we are to do (the work God is calling you to do). God will do the rest.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

The Secret Inspection (Verses 11–16)

The Assessment: After resting for three days, Nehemiah goes out at night with a few men, keeping his plan secret to prevent premature opposition. The Route: He rides out the Valley Gate, heading toward the Dung Gate and the Fountain Gate. The Reality: The destruction is so severe that at one point (near the King’s Pool), his animal cannot even find a path through the rubble. This firsthand survey allows Nehemiah to confront the brutal reality of the project before announcing it.

The Call to Action (Verses 17–18)

The Announcement: Nehemiah finally gathers the priests and nobles. He shifts from “I” to “We,” stating, “You see the trouble we are in.” The Motivation: He does not motivate them with guilt, but with testimony. He shares how God’s hand had been upon him and the King’s words of support. The Response: The leaders are strengthened by this testimony and immediately respond, “Let us rise up and build.”

The Clash (Verses 19–20)

The Mockery: Sanballat (Horonite), Tobiah (Ammonite), and Geshem (Arab) jeer at them, accusing them of rebellion against Persia. The Rebuttal: Nehemiah draws a sharp theological line. He declares that the God of heaven will grant success, while the enemies have “no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem.”

Conclusion

Nehemiah 2:11–20 teaches that honest assessment precedes effective construction.

Nehemiah did not rely on hearsay; he inspected the ruins personally to understand the full scope of the difficulty. By combining a realistic view of the wreckage with a high view of God’s power, he transformed a discouraged mob into a determined workforce.

The takeaway is that true vision does not ignore the rubble; it looks past the rubble to see what God intends to build.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 23, Day 3: Nehemiah 2:1-10

January 27, 2026December 31, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Nehemiah 2:1-10

Nehemiah brought King Artaxerxes wine and noticed he was sad. He tells the king about Jerusalem’s sorry state. The king asks him what he wants, and he says he wants to go and rebuild it. He asked the king for safe passage and timber for rebuilding and was granted it.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 23, Day 3: Nehemiah 2:1-10

6) His heart for the Israelites. He was afraid because he was addressing arguably the most powerful man on earth at that time, who could kill him if he so wanted. Nehemiah was prompted by the King noticing his sadness, which provided the opening to speak for Jerusalem. He was terrified because displaying sorrow in the Persian court was strictly forbidden—it implied dissatisfaction with the King’s rule and could be punishable by death

7a) Nehemiah asked for things that were not unreasonable to provide. He anticipated obstacles before they arose. He secured political legitimacy (letters of safe passage) to bypass hostile governors and material resources (timber requisition) to guarantee construction. This foresight ensured the mission wouldn’t fail due to bureaucracy or lack of supplies once he arrived.

b) Practical planning honors God by taking His mission seriously. It prevents the work from stalling due to avoidable lack, distinguishing true faith from presumption. God often answers prayers through strategy and resources, expecting us to steward the means necessary to finish what He calls us to do.

8a) He had the strength and protection of God first off, and then he asked the king for protection, too. Nehemiah possessed the supreme assurance of “God’s good hand” upon him. Practically, he carried royal letters validating his authority to hostile governors and arrived with a military escort of officers and horsemen. This combination of divine favor, political legitimacy, and armed security provided robust strength against immediate opposition.

b) God’s. Believers rely on the conviction of God’s calling and the power of His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). Like Nehemiah, they combine this spiritual trust with practical wisdom and community unity, understanding that God provides strength not just to endure, but to actively build and overcome opposition.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 23, Day 3: Nehemiah 2:1-10

I love how Nehemiah had a plan and put it into action. And, he had thought enough about it to realize what he needed to make it happen, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 23, Day 3: Nehemiah 2:1-10

A royal cupbearer’s job in ancient times was to taste the food and drink before the king did in order to ensure it was not poisoned. It was a very important and powerful job.

Nehemiah likely prayed repeatedly in the 4 months, “Lord, take this burden from me or provide me with the answers.”

The date was important here for prophecy. Daniel 9:25 says that exactly 173,880 days from this day – which was March 14, 445 B.C. – Jesus would enter Jerusalem (April 6th, 32 A.D.)

Nehemiah risked affronting the king with his sadness. Being in the king’s presence was supposed to be joyful. A lot was riding on this ask. Nehemiah had the pressure to ask for God correctly, too, as well as the pressure of death.

It is God’s job to change people’s hearts, not ours.

Sharing our concerns with other believers can make for powerful prayer. You don’t have to give them the details (God already knows the details). You can just ask for prayer in general.

Nehemiah prayed again and made his request. He had a plan. God is a planner and often works in unexpected ways to get things done.

Nehemiah made the 800-mile-long journey from Persia to Jerusalem. This was a lot for people in the ancient world. God will equip us for His tasks when we do something.

There is always opposition when doing God’s plan for your life. Here, we see Sanballet, who would become governor of Samaria and Tobiah oppose Israel.

courtesy of https://www.jesuswalk.com/greatprayers/9_nehemiah_success.htm

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

The Opportunity (Verses 1–2)

The Timing: It is the month of Nisan, four months after Nehemiah first heard the bad news (Chapter 1). He has been praying and waiting for the right moment. The Risk: Nehemiah appears sad in the King’s presence—a dangerous move, as Persian court etiquette required attendants to be perfectly content. The King notices and asks, “Why is your face sad?” Nehemiah is “very much afraid” because his life is on the line.

The Request (Verses 3–8)

The Pivot: Instead of panicking, Nehemiah identifies with his people (“the place of my fathers’ graves lies in ruins”) and shoots up a quick, silent prayer (“So I prayed to the God of heaven”). The Plan: He proves he hasn’t just been worrying; he has been planning. He asks for three specific things:

Time: A set leave of absence.
Security: Letters for safe passage through the Trans-Euphrates provinces.
Resources: A letter to Asaph for timber to build the temple fortress, the city walls, and his own house.

The Arrival and Opposition (Verses 9–10)

The Hand of God: The King grants the requests because “the good hand of my God was upon me.” Nehemiah arrives not as a lonely pilgrim, but with officers and horsemen. The Enemy: His arrival immediately disturbs the local power brokers, Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite. They are displeased that someone has come to seek the welfare of the Israelites, foreshadowing the conflict to come.

Conclusion

Nehemiah 2:1–10 demonstrates the partnership between prayer and preparation.

Nehemiah did not rely on prayer as a substitute for planning, nor did he rely on planning to the exclusion of prayer. He waited four months, developed a logistical strategy, and when the moment came, he stepped out in faith. The passage teaches that God opens doors, but He expects us to walk through them prepared.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 23, Day 2: Nehemiah 1

January 26, 2026December 31, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah reports that Jerusalem is broken and the gates have burned. He prayed to God, saying he confessed the sins he and the Israelites had made. They have not obeyed. He reminds God of His promise to gather them back to the Promised Land if they return to Him and obey. He asks for favor before the Lord.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 23, Day 2: Nehemiah 1

3) Nehemiah heard that the exiles who returned to Jerusalem are in trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is borken and its gates have been burned. He responds by mourning, weeping, fasting, and prayingbefore the Lord, repenting of his/their sins and asking God for favor.

4a)

God’s character: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments”

God’s people: God’s people are His servants. He confesses that the people have sinned, acted wickedly against God, and not obeyed His commands, decrees, and laws.

God’s promises: “If you (the people) return to me (God) and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.”

Nehemiah’s desire: “Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

b) This shows that Nehemiah understands God and His character. He represents the people by confessing for them. His prayer reveals a relationship of deep intimacy and corporate solidarity. He approaches God confidently based on His covenant faithfulness, yet humbly identifies with the people’s sin (“we have sinned,” v.6). This is vital because true spiritual leadership requires owning the community’s failures as one’s own to intercede effectively.

5) I’m currently searching for God’s will in my life right now. I have an important medical procedure coming up that I am anxious about. I am trying to determine what God wants for my life right now, what is His will for the rest of my life. I’m asking God for guidance and to move me in His direction, not mine.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 23, Day 2: Nehemiah 1

I love this example of prayer: praise God for who He is, confess your sins, remind God of His promises, ask for what you want/need. Good stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 23, Day 2: Nehemiah 1

It’s been 1,000 years since Moses, and the people of God have 400 more years to wait for Jesus. Both Judah and Israel were in shambles. They had been exiled by Babylon, and only about 50,000 of the Jews decided to return when given the opportunity. It’s around 444 B.C.

We pick up the Israelites’ story 15 years after the Book of Ezra ends, so almost 100 years after the captives were allowed to return to Jerusalem. The walls of Jerusalem are still in rubble from the Babylonian conquest.

Nehemiah lives in the capital of the Persian empire and in the palace, so he is a person of import. He is tasked with rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls and the city. He spent about 13 years leading God’s people to rebuild the city.

The survivors were living in a city with no wall, and therefore, in constant fear of attack.

God would use Nehemiah, but first He has to do work inside of Nehemiah.

Nehemiah is a leader, as we all are in some part of our lives. He fasted and prayed before he did.

If your vision is big, you must pray. We’ll see that Nehemiah prayed for months before he did anything Nehemiah 1:1-4 and 2:1.

Prayer will relieve your stresses. It gives you strength.

We are to be humble before the Lord, confessing our sins without excuses, and realizing we need God to do it.

Nehemiah quoted from both Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 30.

Nehemiah wanted to do something, but he would need God to do so. God, use me!

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

The Report and Reaction (Verses 1–4)

The Scene: Nehemiah is in the citadel of Susa, serving the Persian King, enjoying comfort and prestige. The Crisis: His brother arrives with news that the Jewish remnant in Jerusalem is in “great trouble and shame.” The walls are broken, and the gates burned—meaning the city is defenseless and a laughingstock. The Response: Nehemiah does not offer pity from a distance; he internalizes the pain. He sits, weeps, mourns, and fasts. His broken heart immediately leads him to prayer rather than political maneuvering.

The Prayer of Preparation (Verses 5–11)

Nehemiah’s prayer establishes a model for crisis management:

Adoration: He begins by acknowledging God as “great and awesome” and faithful to His covenant.
Confession: He does not blame the Babylonians or his ancestors alone. He uses the word “we”—including himself and his father’s house in the nation’s sin.
Remembrance: He quotes Deuteronomy back to God, reminding Him of His promise: if the people return to Him, God will gather them from the farthest skies.
Petition: He asks for success, specifically requesting favor “in the sight of this man” (King Artaxerxes).

Conclusion

Nehemiah 1 teaches that effective leadership begins with empathy and intercession.

Before Nehemiah laid a single stone, he laid a foundation of prayer. He demonstrates that when we face a crisis, we must first look upward (to God’s character) and inward (confessing sin) before we look outward (to fix the problem).

The takeaway is that true burden-bearing bridges the gap between our personal comfort and the brokenness of God’s people.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 5: Revelation 18:21-24

January 30, 2025January 25, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 18:21-24

An angel said that Babylon will be eradicated from the earth. There will be no more music, workers, light, and voices.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 5: Revelation 18:21-24

13) It will be thrown down, never to be found again.

14a) Because we will live forever with God thanks to Christ’s sacrifice for us.

b) God eradicates Babylon who has caused so much pain, hurt, and death upon His people. This is righteous justice from God. This shows mercy to His people.

c) That Jesus is our ultimate hope, and no matter what happens here, we will always be God’s.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 5: Revelation 18:21-24

It is comforting to read that God has got our back no matter what trials or tribulations come our way.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 5: Revelation 18:21-24

We’ve seen millstones cast into bodies of water before in the Bible (Jeremiah 51:61-64) and in Jesus’ warning: Matthew 18:6

Babylon suffered these judgments because she had killed God’s people (the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people). An attack against God’s people is an attack on God Himself.

And, the judgment stems from the fact that the leaders led their people astray.

God’s people rejoice in His will being accomplished on earth.

As we all know, Babylon the actual city does not exist today. Babylon as representative of sin and evil on the earth today will one day face judgment and eradication, too.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 4: Revelation 18:9-20

January 29, 2025January 25, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 18:9-20

The evil kings will mourn Babylon when destruction comes to her. The merchants will cry because no one will buy their goods. They will be terrified at Babylon’s torment. All the sailors will mourn, too.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 4: Revelation 18:9-20

10a) The kings of the earth will mourn because they will lose money because the inhabitants are dead. The merchants will mourn because no one will be left to buy their goods. Those who earn a living by the sea will mourn because there will be no one to trade with. Everyone in these groups is out for themselves.

b) True treasure is found in God and His work. True treasure is stored in heaven. It cannot be stolen. It shows if that person, organization, or nation is out for themselves or helping others in this world. It also shows if you are for God, a believer, and doing His work in your life.

11) They are called to rejoice for God has kept His promises to remember His people and exercise judgment on the people’s enemies who have harmed them.

12) This is a hard one. There are so many evils and injustices in the world. Human trafficking, the drug epidemic, adultery, persecution — anything that harms others.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 4: Revelation 18:9-20

It’s interesting how selfish people can be even when they see the power of God firsthand.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 4: Revelation 18:9-20

What the merchants mourn are all luxuries, not necessities (food, clothing, shelter). These groups have used others for their profits and gains.

We do not rejoice in the actual judgment itself; instead, we rejoice in the fact that it is righteous judgment for actions against God and His people.

All of these groups are simply out for themselves. When you live a life like that, you should expect to not find fulfillment and to find judgment, too.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 3: Revelation 18:4-8

January 28, 2025January 25, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 18:4-8

John heard from heaven to tell the people to come away from sin/Babylon. Come away from sin who will be paid back twice for it. For Babylon will be consumed by fire.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 3: Revelation 18:4-8

6) “‘Come out of her, my people,’ so that you will not share in her sins so that you will not receive any of her plagues.” This is a warning for believers to run away from Babylon and sin.

7) God will exercise judgments and consequences for the sins of Babylon against His people, Israel.

8 ) Babylon will face double restitution for its evil ways. She will suffer torment and grief. Plagues will overtake her. Death, mourning, and famine will overtake her too. She will be consumed by fire.

9) God remembers His people. He does not let sin or evil doings go unpunished. God is good, caring, and compassionate to His people. He will exercise judgment in His timing.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 3: Revelation 18:4-8

God does keep His word, and it’s comforting to know this in my heart.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 3: Revelation 18:4-8

John is warning God’s people to flee from sin and temptations around them. Elsewhere in Scripture, we see God and prophets telling the people to flee from sin (Isaiah 52:11), (Jeremiah 51:45), (Jeremiah 50:8), (2 Corinthians 6:14), (Ephesians 5:11).

Their sins are many, including pride, selfishness, and material things over God.

God will give back to Babylon double restitution for its evil ways. In Biblical times, if you stole something, double restitution was the penalty (Exodus 22:4-9).

God remembering means he is about to act on a promise.

The punishment will be sudden.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 2: Revelation 18:1-3

January 27, 2025January 25, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 18:1-3

John saw an angel who shouted that Babylon had fallen. She had become a dwelling for evil.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 2: Revelation 18:1-3

3a) John saw an angel who shouted that Babylon had fallen. She had become a dwelling for evil.

b) He mentioned that Babylon had become a place for demons and everything impure, unclean, and sinful. She was about to be judged.

4a) The future for Babylon is destruction because of her sins.

b) God should be the top priority. The consequences of putting anything above God (including riches and luxuries) are that they can be taken away, you can live an empty, unfulfilled life, and you risk falling away from Jesus. The list of consequences truly is endless.

5) Our hearts and minds should be set on the things above us in heaven — God, Jesus, and His ways and light. Honestly, things of the world occupy my thoughts most of the time. I work every day to reverse this, but the challenges of life can be forceful. But, I pray and each day, I try to spend one extra minute with Jesus! That will add up eventually!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 2: Revelation 18:1-3

Question 5 was very convicting for me. I do need to spend more time contemplating God than things of the world.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 2: Revelation 18:1-3

Do note that some Bible scholars see this Babylon as different from the Babylon in Revelation 17.

Most Bible scholars agree that Babylon here is symbolic and not referring to the actual city of Babylon in ancient times.

The angel glows because he was just in God’s presence.

Babylon was guilty of many sins, including idolatry, pride, greed, and the selfish pursuit of worldly things, such as wealth and luxuries.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 5: John 18:19-27

February 8, 2024February 3, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 18:19-27

Jesus was questioned by Annas. He says he spoke openly and not secretly. He was slapped in the face. and sent to Caiaphas.

Peter was asked again if he were one of Jesus’ disciples. He said no. Peter was accused of being in the Garden with Jesus. Again, he denied he was there. Then the rooster crowed, as foretold by Jesus.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 5: John 18:19-27

13a) “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”

b) He slapped Jesus in the face. He was scared of Jesus and did not want the truth to get out. He also may have wanted to show dominance over Jesus.

c) Jesus did not retaliate. He simply asked why he was struck when he only spoke the truth.

14a) Peter was asked again if he were one of Jesus’ disciples. He said no. Peter was accused of being in the Garden with Jesus. Again, he denied he was there.

b) If you tell one lie, then you may have to tell more lies to cover that lie. And it goes on. Many people think since they’ve already sinned, why not sin more?

15) Jesus had predicted that a rooster would crow after Peter had denied him 3 times.

16) I can do nothing without God. Only His strength gets me by.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 5: John 18:19-27

I love how Jesus simply tells the truth and mankind finds ways to twist the truth.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 5: John 18:19-27

Now, it’s Annas’ job to find out what Jesus is guilty of. Jesus is asking for the witnesses who accuse him, a requirement under Jewish law. Yet, there are none.

Jesus wanted to know why he was being physically abused. No one had an answer.

Annas was done with Jesus and sent him to Caiaphas for a more official trial.

Peter could see Jesus and saw him being slapped. Peter may have become fearful of his life here.

This is the same question as the servant girl’s (John 18:17) with the same answer.

Peter denied Jesus a third time, swearing by it Matthew 26:74. The rooster crowed, fulfilling what Jesus said would happen.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 4: John 18:15-18

February 7, 2024February 3, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary John 18:15-18

Peter and another disciple follow Jesus to the high priest’s courtyard. Peter denied being a disciple of Jesus for the first time, as he stood by a fire warming himself.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 4: John 18:15-18

10a) Peter had to get permission to enter the high priest’s courtyard.

b) He was questioned by a servant girl. She asked Peter, “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” He replied, “I am not.”

11) Christ went to the cross for us and lived out God’s plan. Peter crumbled under pressure and fear.

12) In many ways. We all let our fears get the best of us and we do/say things we regret because of it. After all, we’re only human.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 4: John 18:15-18

Many Bible scholars question why Peter caved under the questioning of a servant girl, a very low person, indeed, in that time. No one knows. All we know is Peter let his fear get the best of him.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 4: John 18:15-18

Peter and John (most scholars believe this was John) follow Jesus to the house of Annas. John knew the high priest, so they were let in.

Peter was trying to blend into the crowd by warming his hands. He could have acknowledged Jesus but instead denied him here.