Episode Summary: "Day 320: Peter's Denial Foretold"

Podcast: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension)
Date: November 16, 2025
Scripture Readings: Luke 20–22:38; Proverbs 26:17–19
Duration: ~22 minutes

Overview

This episode continues the journey through the Gospel of Luke, covering chapters 20 through 22:38, and focuses on critical moments leading up to Jesus’ passion. Key themes include Jesus’ authority, teachings on stewardship and suffering, the value of true giving, the institution of the Eucharist, Christ predicting Peter’s denial, and personal applications about mercy and faith. Fr. Mike weaves in contextual insights and pastoral reflection, inviting listeners to see themselves in the biblical narrative.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jesus’ Authority and Confrontations

(00:00–06:00)

• Challenge by Religious Leaders:
  The chief priests and scribes question Jesus’ authority, attempting to trap him. Jesus responds with a probing question about John the Baptist, exposing their fear and politics.

• Parable of the Wicked Tenants:
  Jesus tells a parable foreshadowing his own rejection and the consequences for those who reject God’s messengers.

  • Quote: “The very stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” (04:30)

• Render to Caesar:
  Jesus masterfully answers the question about paying taxes, upholding both civic and divine responsibilities:

  • Quote: “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (06:00)

2. Teachings on Resurrection and Messiahship

(07:00–09:30)

• Debate with the Sadducees:
  Discussion about resurrection, where Jesus asserts God is “not God of the dead, but of the living; for all live to Him.”
• The Nature of Christ:
  Jesus challenges prevailing views on the Messiah by referencing King David and Psalm 110.

3. Condemnation of Hypocrisy & The Widow’s Offering

(09:30–11:00)

• Denouncing Scribe’s Hypocrisy:
  Jesus rebukes religious leaders who seek attention while neglecting justice.
• The Widow’s Offering:
  Jesus praises a poor widow’s two coins, emphasizing the heart behind the gift over material value.
  • Fr. Mike’s Reflection:
    “It’s not necessarily how much we give, it’s how much we love… God doesn’t judge the size of our gift as much as He does the size of our heart.” (12:50)

4. Prophecy of Destruction and Exhortation to Watchfulness

(11:00–15:00)

• Destruction of the Temple:
  Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem, warning his disciples to be vigilant, not to be led astray by false prophets or worldly anxiety.
• Coming Suffering and Persecution:
  Jesus predicts that followers will face betrayal and suffering, encouraging perseverance.
  • Quote: “Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom…” (13:30)
• Encouragement:
  “By your endurance you will gain your lives.” (14:00)

5. The Upper Room and the Last Supper

(15:00–17:30)

• Preparation and the Passover:
  Detailed recounting of preparations for Jesus’ last meal with his disciples.
• Institution of the Eucharist:
  “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me… This chalice which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (16:50)

6. Strife for Greatness and True Leadership

(18:00)

• Confronting Ambition:
  Disciples dispute over greatness; Jesus redefines leadership through service.
  • Quote: “But I am among you as one who serves.” (18:25)

7. Peter’s Denial Foretold and Restoration

(19:00–22:00)

• Jesus Predicts Betrayal:
  Jesus warns Peter of coming failure and reassures him of intercessory prayer and future role in strengthening others.
• Greek Insight:
  Fr. Mike explains how Jesus first speaks of Satan’s attack on all (plural “you”), then specifically prays for Peter (singular), highlighting his unique responsibility and the ministry of restoration.
• Pastoral Reflection:
  “Want a witness to mercy? There it is, right there… It’s not a claim to being impeccable… He [Peter] can only claim God’s grace.”
• Encouragement for Listeners:
  “Our lives will be marked with disaster. There may even be public scandal… [But] I invite you to hear the words of Jesus to that first pope as words to you… Come back. Trust in my love. Trust in my mercy. Trust in me.” (21:30)

8. Commentary on Proverbs 26:17–19

(22:00–23:30)

• Mind Your Business:
  “He who meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears” — a call to avoid needless entanglement and unnecessary provocation.
• Maturity in Speech:
  The danger of harming others through jokes that are actually destructive:
  • “There are some things that are funny and some that are not…maturity is learning the difference.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Discipleship:
  “God doesn’t judge the size of our gift as much as He does the size of our heart.” (12:50)

• On Mercy and Restoration:
  “Think about how incredible it would be to be Peter and to say… in the midst of all this failure, you can trust Jesus. How do you know? Because I betrayed Him…” (21:00)

• On Spiritual Leadership:
  “I prayed for you, Peter, that your faith may not fail… and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren.” (19:50)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:00–02:30 — Announcements, Reading Introduction (skip)
• 02:30–11:00 — Main Scripture readings (Luke 20–21)
• 12:00–12:50 — Commentary on the Widow’s Offering
• 14:00–15:00 — Reflection on Endurance, Prophecies, and Watchfulness
• 16:50–18:30 — Upper Room, Institution of the Eucharist
• 19:00–21:30 — Peter’s Denial, Greek language insights, Pastoral Application
• 22:00–23:30 — Proverbs Reflection and Final Blessing

Tone & Takeaway

With a warm yet urgent tone, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to see both the seriousness of discipleship and the unfailing depths of Christ’s mercy―especially in the face of personal weakness and public failure. The episode calls each listener to vigilance, heartfelt giving, trust in restoration, and the grace to strengthen others after one’s own fall.

Final Words:

“I’m praying for you. Please pray for me… God bless.” (23:30)