Slices
Prepare
Become aware of the world of humanity around you in all its beauty and brokenness. See it as the object of God’s love.
Bible passage
Peter’s first denial
15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant-girl on duty there and brought Peter in.
17 ‘You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?’ she asked Peter.
He replied, ‘I am not.’
18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood round a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.
The high priest questions Jesus
19 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
20 ‘I have spoken openly to the world,’ Jesus replied. ‘I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.’
22 When Jesus said this, one of the officials near by slapped him in the face. ‘Is this the way you answer the high priest?’ he demanded.
23 ‘If I said something wrong,’ Jesus replied, ‘testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?’ 24 Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Peter’s second and third denials
25 Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, ‘You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?’
He denied it, saying, ‘I am not.’
26 One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, ‘Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?’ 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a cock began to crow.
Explore
Two contrasting reactions. In the face of pressure, Peter, despite his brash assertions (John 13:37,38), buckles. There is the downward slide we recognise so well. The first act of denial or disobedience so easily leads to others. We identify with Peter, for we too have failed: failed to acknowledge Jesus in moments of pressure; failed to speak of him when opportunities arose. Today our neighbour moved. We have lived next door to him for nearly 40 years, but we recognised that we had rarely spoken of our faith. If you feel the shame of past failure, don’t despair. Stick around and John will offer hope.
Jesus, on the other hand, remains calm, controlled and stands his ground. In response to the high priest’s question about his teaching (v 19), he points out that they should know; all has been done in the open. Throughout his life he has shown authority and integrity, and both are on display here. Jesus’ coming, life, teaching, healing and now his death and resurrection are marks of God’s love for the world (John 3:16). The paradox is that the world rejected him (John 1:10; 15:18) and that rejection will culminate in his death. But while the world thinks it is about to be rid of Jesus, the truth is very different.
Respond
Pray that you will have the strength to be true to Jesus in all circumstances.
Deeper Bible study
Reflect on the pressures that you or others encounter to minimise the significance of your faith. Ask God for discernment as to how to respond.
An unnamed disciple known personally to the high priest gets access into his compound. So well known is he that he’s able to vouch for Peter and get him in as well (vs 15–17).
It’s not clear what Peter hoped to achieve. Did he simply hope to be a witness to what happened to Jesus? Did he dream of rescue and escape? Whatever he hoped to achieve, Peter risks getting in the way, for Jesus has said firmly that he was determined to drink the cup the Father had given him (v 11). The price is high: the pointless, self-appointed mission leads Peter to denying three times that he was Jesus’ disciple at all.
Annas’ purpose is clear. Caiaphas’ inadvertent prophecy stated that it was better for one man to die for the nation than that the Temple and the nation be lost.1 Annas, therefore, seeks an evidential basis that can justify execution. The end is predetermined; anything will be done or said to achieve it. Evidence about the disciples is sought, in order to estimate how much of a threat they might pose without their leader (v 19: cf John 6:1–15, which could have looked like an army mustering, where v 15 shows some at least had thoughts of a rising). Violence is used in an extrajudicial process conducted privately away from more scrupulous eyes.2 Caiaphas isn’t involved, perhaps so that he can disavow what’s happening. When Jesus protests quietly that his teaching was open and public, and that other witnesses can be found to speak for him, he is assaulted. Jesus then points out that he is being beaten for speaking the truth, but in this process with only one predetermined end, no one shows the slightest interest in the truth.
Everyone other than Jesus here was pursuing their own agenda and no one was listening to God. Where might you be rushing ahead without listening?
1John 11:47–53 2See John 7:50–52
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Deuteronomy 31,32; Romans 8
Pray for Scripture Union
A new curriculum, based on the Guardians of Ancora app, is being used in at least ten countries and three languages. Please pray that church leaders around the world will catch the vision for this way of sharing the good news with children; and that these mission resources will reach those who have never heard the name of Jesus.
