Congregational Book Study, May 25-31, 2026, Lessons I Learn from the Bible. Lessons 88 and 89.
Congregation Bible Study (30 min.) lfb lessons 88, 89.
Analysis of Lesson 88: Jesus is Arrested
What happened in the Garden of Gethsemane?
Jesus told his apostles to stay there and keep watch, and he went a little way away from them. Feeling very distressed, he knelt down and prayed to Jehovah, saying: “Your will be done.” Then Jehovah sent an angel to strengthen him.
Later, Jesus found three of his apostles asleep and said to them, “Wake up! This is no time to sleep. The hour has come for me to be handed over to my enemies.” Shortly afterward, Judas arrived, accompanied by a large group armed with swords and clubs. Judas had told the soldiers that he would show them who Jesus was, so he went straight to him, said, “Hello, Master,” and kissed him.
Peter, realizing what was happening, drew his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant. But Jesus touched his ear and healed him. Then he said to Peter, “Put your sword back in its place, for all who seek the cause of life will die by the sword.” Finally, the soldiers arrested Jesus, and the apostles fled.
What do we learn from what Jesus did that night?
We learn that when we face difficult or distressing times, we should pray to Jehovah and trust in his will, just as Jesus did. We also see the importance of staying spiritually awake and depending on Jehovah for strength.
Furthermore, Jesus demonstrated courage, calmness, and love even toward his enemies. For example, he healed Malchus’s ear and prevented his disciples from fighting. His example teaches us to act with peace, self-control, and trust in Jehovah even in very difficult situations.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah listens to the prayers of his servants and gives them strength in their most difficult times. When Jesus was deeply distressed in the garden of Gethsemane, Jehovah sent an angel to encourage and strengthen him. We also learn that Jehovah allowed his will and the prophecies concerning Jesus to be fulfilled, demonstrating his wisdom and purpose.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn that when we face distress or trials, we should pray to Jehovah and trust in him, just as Jesus did. We also see the importance of staying spiritually awake and not letting our guard down.
Jesus taught us to act with calmness and love even in difficult situations. For example, he corrected Peter for using violence and healed Malchus. This teaches us to resolve problems peacefully and to imitate Jesus' self-control and kindness.
Analysis of Lesson 89: Peter Denies Jesus
What happened in the courtyard of Caiaphas's house?
As Jesus was being led to Caiaphas's house, Peter followed at a distance, entered the courtyard, and warmed himself by a fire. There, several people recognized him as one of Jesus's disciples, but Peter denied him three times, just as Jesus had foretold.
After the third time, a rooster crowed. Then Peter saw that Jesus was looking at him and remembered the words Jesus had spoken to him. So he left the place and wept bitterly.
The court condemned Jesus to death, why?
The court condemned Jesus to death because the Sanhedrin had already decided to kill him and was looking for an accusation to condemn him. Finally, the high priest Caiaphas asked him if he was the Son of God. When Jesus answered, “Yes, I am,” Caiaphas said, “We don’t need any more proof. This is blasphemy!” The court agreed and said, “This man must die.” So they accused him of blasphemy, that is, of insulting God. For that reason, the court condemned him to death.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah always fulfills what he foretells. We see how he allowed the prophecies related to Jesus' suffering and unjust trial to be fulfilled.
This account teaches us that Jehovah is merciful and understands human weaknesses. Although Peter made a serious mistake by denying Jesus, he sincerely repented, and later Jehovah continued to use him in his service.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn that we should not rely too much on our own strength, as Peter did when he vowed that he would never abandon Jesus. We need to remain spiritually strong and depend on Jehovah through prayer.
We learn the importance of sincere repentance. Although Peter failed, he acknowledged his mistake and wept bitterly, demonstrating that he was truly sorry.
Jesus' example teaches us to remain faithful and courageous even when we face opposition, injustice, or mistreatment. Jesus spoke the truth with courage and remained loyal to Jehovah to the end.
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