EXPERIENCING CHRISTIAN FAITH

2ndSemester
S.Y. 2022-2023

Name: Christian Dave Nuñez

Year Level/Block: 1BSA4-ABM

Where do you go when you need to prepare yourself for a stressful situation?

Attending church can provide a sense of community, support, and spiritual guidance, which can help
reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, participating in religious practices, such as prayer or
meditation, can offer a sense of comfort and peace during difficult times.

Why do the Pharisees want to take advantage of the night to arrest Jesus(see 3:19-20; 12:35;
13:30)?

In the Gospel of John, the Pharisees were religious leaders who opposed Jesus' teachings and saw him
threatening their authority. They wanted to arrest Jesus, but they were afraid of the people who
followed him. Therefore, they waited for an opportunity to stop him when no crowds were around.

John 3:19-20, it is stated that people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.
This could be interpreted as the Pharisees preferring to act secretly, under cover of darkness, rather
than openly confronting Jesus in the light of day.

In John 12:35, Jesus warns the people to walk in the light while they have it so that the darkness does
not overtake them. This could also be interpreted as a warning to the Pharisees that their actions in the
dark will eventually be exposed and judged.

In John 13:30, it is stated that Judas immediately went out after receiving the piece of bread from
Jesus. Some scholars interpret this as the beginning of the plot to arrest Jesus, again suggesting that
the Pharisees wanted to take advantage of the cover of night to make their move.

Overall, the Pharisees wanted to avoid a confrontation with Jesus in front of his followers, so they
chose to act under cover of darkness.

How do you think the disciples felt when they saw a group of soldiers (in full battle gear)
coming? Christ used many "I AM" sayings (vine, light, bread). How do you explain verse 6?

According to the Bible, when the soldiers arrived to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, the
disciples were fearful, and one of them even drew a sword to defend Jesus.

Regarding verse 6, it would be helpful to know which verse you are referring to since there are several
"I AM" sayings in the Bible. However, in general, when Jesus used the phrase "I AM," he identified
himself with the name of God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. By using this phrase, Jesus was
asserting his divinity and unity with God the Father.
Seeing how he deals with the soldiers (vv. 4, and Peter (v. 11), what do you learn about Jesus?

Based on Matthew 26:4 and 26:11, we can learn a few things about Jesus:

1. Jesus was aware of his impending arrest and crucifixion: In verse 4, Jesus tells his
disciples that he will be handed over to the chief priests and teachers of the law to be
put to death. Despite knowing this, he does not try to escape or hide.

2. Jesus valued non-violence and peace: In verse 52, when one of his disciples tries to
defend him with a sword, Jesus rebukes him, saying that those who live by the sword
will die by the sword. This shows that Jesus did not condone violence or revenge and
believed in peaceful resistance.

3. Jesus showed compassion and mercy: In verse 11, when Peter cut off the ear of one of
the men who came to arrest Jesus, Jesus healed the man's ear. This demonstrates
Jesus' willingness to show mercy and heal even those who sought to harm him.

These verses show that Jesus was a peaceful and compassionate figure willing to accept his
fate, even if it meant sacrificing himself for the greater good.

How does Peter show he still doesn't grasp what is going on?

In both instances, Peter's mistakes reveal that he still doesn't fully understand or grasp the situation. In
Matthew 14:22-33, Peter lacks faith in Jesus by doubting his ability to walk on water. Despite seeing
Jesus perform many miracles, Peter's fear and uncertainty caused him to sink. This demonstrates a
need for more trust in Jesus and his divine power.

Similarly, in John 18:15-27, Peter's denial of knowing Christ three times shows a failure to
comprehend the gravity of the situation. Despite being one of Jesus' closest disciples and witnessing
his teachings and miracles, Peter denies knowing him out of fear for his safety. This shows a need for
more understanding of Jesus' mission and the sacrifice he was about to make for humanity.

Overall, Peter's mistakes highlight his human fallibility and limited understanding, which remind us
of all that we, too, can falter and need to rely on faith and trust in God to guide us through difficult
situations.

What is "THE CUP" which Jesus must drink (v. 11)?

In this context, "the cup" refers to the suffering and death that Jesus would endure to fulfill his
mission as the world's Savior. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often speaks of his impending death as a
"cup" that he must drink (e.g., Mark 10:38-39, Matthew 26:39). In this particular verse (Mark 14:36),
Jesus is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane just before his arrest and crucifixion. He expresses his
anguish and distress at the prospect of what lies ahead. Despite his fear and pain, Jesus submits to
God's will and ultimately drinks the cup, fulfilling his mission and redeeming humanity through his
sacrifice.
Given his pacifism, why is Jesus bound (v. 12)? Whose afraid of whom here? Why?

The Gospel of Mark does not give us an apparent reason why Jesus was bound in verse 12, but it's
possible that the Jewish authorities who had come to arrest him were afraid that he might resist or
escape. Although Jesus was a pacifist and had taught his followers to turn the other cheek and love
their enemies, the authorities may have viewed him as a threat because of his popularity and his
claims to be the Son of God. Additionally, Jesus had recently caused a disturbance in the Temple,
which may have further heightened their fears. It's also worth noting that Jesus' disciples had swords
(Luke 22:38), so the authorities may have been on guard against potential violence. While Jesus'
pacifism is an essential aspect of his teachings, it's clear from the Gospel accounts that his message
and actions were often perceived as a threat by those in power, ultimately leading to his arrest, trial,
and execution.

REFLECTION QUESTION:

How does Jesus decision to "DRINK THE CUP" (v. 11) help you in your obedience to God?
What issue of obedience is challenging you?

Jesus' decision to "drink the cup" can serve as an inspiration and model for obedience to God. Jesus'
willingness to submit to God's will, even in the face of immense suffering and death, is a powerful
example of obedience and faithfulness. His sacrifice demonstrates the depth of his love for humanity
and his commitment to fulfilling God's plan for salvation. By following Jesus' example, we, too, can
learn to trust in God's sovereignty and submit our will to his, even when it's difficult or painful.

When we face challenges in obeying God, whether resisting temptation, forgiving others, or sharing
the Gospel, we can draw strength and inspiration from Jesus' example. We can pray for the courage
and faith to follow his lead, knowing that he has already overcome the world and has promised to be
with us always (John 16:33, Matthew 28:20). Ultimately, our obedience is not based on our strength
or abilities, but on the grace and power of God working in and through us (Philippians 2:13).