The Making of a Martyr
Read Revelation 17:6
Today’s Truth
Jesus told us His followers would be persecuted, and Revelation 17 gives us an idea of just how bad it gets. "They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God," Jesus said in John 16:2.
Discussion Questions
- How does the thought of laying down your own life for Jesus change your perspective on your day-to-day existence?
- Read 1 Corinthians 15:31. How do we prepare ourselves for something like Peter faced?
- Would you be willing to lay it all on the line for Jesus? Explain your answer.
Life Application
It’s hard to predict how we might respond if asked to lay it all on the line. Peter told Jesus he would follow Him anywhere — even die for Him! But when pushed to pick a side, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times.
Roughly 33 years later, Peter really did lay down his life for Jesus in Rome. What made the difference? What made the same man who wouldn’t admit to knowing Jesus boldly proclaim the Gospel and die for his Master?
Jesus’ resurrection transformed Peter, and it’s still transforming lives today.
