we must not be naive - mark 14:26-52

The Naive Boldness of the Disciples and their failure... Peter and the other disciples saw a strength within themselves that simply was not there. Consequently, they failed to heed Jesus' warning that they should pray and were completely caught off guard at His arrest.

Jesus' Prayerful Dependence and Victory... Unlike the disciples, Jesus knew His need to pray in order that He might be ready to accept His coming suffering. In Gethsemane, Jesus agonized in prayer, accepting the Father's will that He be the sin-bearer for the world.

Victory through Prayer... We too must heed Jesus' command to "watch and pray." Only through prayerful dependence upon the Lord will we be enabled to be faithful.

*Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. How have you been like the disciples in their naive boldness?

2. What does your prayer life look like? How does the flesh weaken your prayer life?

3. What victory has God given you through prayer?