1. Denial

Mark 14:27-31, 66-72

1. Would you describe Peter's assertion in Mark 14:29 as arrogant, over-confident, or both? What other words describe what he said about the other disciples in relation to himself?
2. What do you think the significance of the second rooster crowing might be? 
3. Think of a time when a friend or family member denied you in some way. How did it make you feel? How did you resolve the situation?
4. Mark 14 ends with Peter breaking down and sobbing because of his denial. What is the connection between sorrow and repentance?
5. Describe how you would feel if a Christian leader whom you respected looked you in the eye and predicted that you were going to fail in some way. How would you respond?

2. Sleeping Through Importance

Mark 14:32-42

1. Think of a time when you weren't able to be there for someone else during an important time. How did it affect your relationship with that person? Now think of a time when you were able to be there, but chose not to be. How were the situations different?
2. If the disciples had truly realized how things were about to play out, how do you think their time in Gethsemane might have been different?
3. In Mark 14:38, Jesus says, "The spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak." How might these be viewed by modern Christians as words of comfort?
4. How do we balance the ministry of presence with the need to rest and take care of ourselves? Is it possible to take the ministry of presence too far? If so, how?

3. Telling Lies

Mark 14:53-65

1. Why is lying such a dangerous sin? Is it possible to lie and not realize you're lying?
2. What is the best way to confront lies? Do you think Jesus chose the most effective way to confront people's lies in Mark 14:53-65?
3. How do people bear false witness against Jesus today? As followers of Christ, how do we respond to those lies? 
4. How would you respond if someone accused of you pf bearing false witness against another Christian, or even against Jesus himself?

4. Betrayal

Mark 14:10-11, 43-49

1. Dottie Escobedo-Frank writes in Our Common Sins that betrayal is a common experience. Considering that betrayal is arguably the sin that cuts deepest, why do you think it's still such a common sin?
2. Dottie also mentions that it's possible for us to betray ourselves. In what ways do we do that? How does the forgiveness and healing process work when we're our own betrayers?
3. How do we avoid being betrayed without holding back our trust? How does betrayal relate to trust?
4. How can we facilitate forgiveness and healing when we're the one who has betrayed someone else?