Today we are going to learn about how Peter stayed in John 18:15-18. The last time we met we discussed Jesus coming before Annas.
15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.
Simon Peter, along with another disciples, stuck with Jesus. They didn’t scatter like the rest. The other disciple was known by the high priest so he went in with Jesus to the courtyard. Peter stayed outside.
This other disciple, spoke to the servant girl who minding the door, and Peter was brought in.
This servant girl asked Peter “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” Peter’s response was one of denial.
A charcoal fire was built in the courtyard because it was cold. The soldiers and officers stood by it warming themselves. Peter joined them there.
This passage isn’t all that hard to understand. Peter wasn’t alone in coming after Jesus. Because of that, he wasn’t left out in the dark wondering what was going on. He brought into the courtyard as well. He was able to stay warm and listen to everything going around him.
Peter Stayed
I wonder if he was scared being there? I wonder this due to the fact that when asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples he denied it. Possibly being surrounded by the men who had brought Jesus in… If he was scared I could understand it. Everything was moving so fast you know?
Jesus praying in the garden, the soldiers rushing in, Judas’ betrayal, Jesus arrested and the rush to bring him before the high priest. A cold night. He wanted to know what was up, and yet … that fear would just sit there you know?
Despite that, and despite his denial.. Peter STAYED. Do you note that? He stayed. I don’t know if the other disciple stayed, but we do know that Peter did. Despite everything, he stayed there.
Pausing to Consider
Thinking through this, I have to ask myself…would I have followed? And then, would I have stayed once asked if I was one of Jesus’ own? Peter’s denial not-withstanding, he showed bravery in sticking by Jesus as close as he could. I don’t know that I would be that brave, that steadfast. To stand right in the midst of a bunch of soldiers when you are just a simple fisherman on a cold, scary night. Not an easy thing that.
It’s so easy to discount Peter because of his denials…but I so need to see that Peter also STAYED. Yes, his words were denial, but his presence wasn’t. His presence was steadfast. It’s like a kid whose words say one thing, but his actions speak different. Peter may have said no…. but his body said yes. He showed his love right in that moment.
It’s like how your boy child can look you right in the face, after you’ve asked him to do something, and say “NO, I’m not going to do that”. And then you turn around finding him doing just what he said he wasn’t going to do. And you’re stunned when he says “I thought about it mom, and I wanted to make you happy so I did it anyways.”. Fills my heart every single time. 🙂
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