John

We’ve been following the tale of Jesus before the high priest.  Last we looked Jesus had been questioned by Annas and was being sent on to Caiaphas.  Today we see Peter’s continued denial in John 18:25-27.

²⁵ Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” ²⁶ One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” ²⁷ Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

Peter Denied Knowledge

Peter, courageous Peter, found “standing and warming himself“.   Do you notice that?  Peter stayed there, keeping an eye on things.  He kept himself warm (I do wonder if he hoped to go unnoticed) because the night was cold, regardless of the reason, he was there.

A challenge came though.  “You also are not one his disciples, are you?”  Peter denied it, saying “I am not“.  

Now Peter had cut off the ear of one of the men who came along to arrest Jesus.   Jesus had healed it but one of the servants was kin to this man.   He asked Peter “Did I not see in the the garden with him?”

Peter again denied it.

And then the rooster crowed.

The Rooster Crowed

Ah Peter, I can almost feel your heart break when that happened. You who promised you would never deny your Saviour. The one to whom Jesus said “before the cock crows you will deny me three times”. You did it.

Your heart must have broken when you heard the rooster.  You probably weren’t even really thinking about what you were doing.  Warming your hands, afraid for Jesus, afraid for yourself, wanting anonymity and not finding it. 

It makes me think of how Satan wants to find ways to break our hearts.  Ways we don’t expect, or that simply surprise us.  Peter was caught up in things that seemed bigger than himself.   He denied his Lord.

One thing we have though is the benefit of scripture.  Peter becomes a stalwart in the faith.  He becomes a man who won’t be caught in the same situation twice. In the end, Peter would never deny his Lord again. 

What Can I Learn?

I sin.  Sometimes its deliberate sin, and sometimes it’s situational sin.   Regardless, it’s sin, it’s a turning away from God, it’s a denial of who he is in my life.  It’s not the ending though.  I need to see that. 

It’s not the ending. 

Sin doesn’t mean I’m stuck, permanently denying God forever.   I can come back to him.   I can come and be better, more stalwart in the end. Learning from my failures. and striving not to fall that way again. 

It’s what Peter did.  He came back.  Denial of Jesus, the son of God, didn’t happen again.  Steadfastness became a reality.

Yesterday we saw that Peter Stayed. Today in John 18:19-24 we see the questions that the High Priest has for Jesus, and through that confrontation handled.

19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Questions

We aren’t told the exact questions that the high priest had, only that they concerned his disciples and the message he brought. And remember, he was brought before Annas who was thought of as being the high priest.  Technically Caiaphas was high priest as per the Romans.

Jesus’ response:  “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.”

He didn’t answer him!   Can you imagine it?   The highest power in the Jewish world and Jesus didn’t answer him.   He merely mentioned that nothing he talked about was private.  Ask anyone and they would surely tell him.  The general public knew what he talked to them about. 

The response of one of the officers standing there was to hit Jesus saying,  “Is that how you answer the high priest?“

I am going to hazard a guess that he was shocked that Jesus wouldn’t humbly and quietly answer the high priest.  In fact, Jesus seemed rather bold in his response.

His response to the guard was:  “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 

The response from Annas was to have him sent bound to Caiaphas the high priest. 

Confrontation Handled

I keep thinking about Jesus’ response to the strike and comment by the guard.  Jesus wasn’t cowed. 

But I read his response two ways.

1. a challenge along the lines of “who do you think you are hitting me and correcting me, I didn’t do anything wrong!”  or
2. a gentle rebuke hidden with a question.  “tell me if I did something wrong, and if I didn’t….then tell me why you punished me”. 

Jesus could have said it either way, but I’m tending to think the latter would be fitting his style more in this situation.

And then I think about how I would have responded.  

First off I wouldn’t have answer the high priest as Jesus did.  🙂  I’m too easily cowed, but if I was unjustly hit… my tendency would be to get angry about it.  That anger would come out in tears or a loud voice.  

I have to wonder if that would be a correct response.  I really don’t see Jesus yelling here,  I just don’t.  As much as I see it as an option, I don’t see it as a viable one. 

Handling Unjust Accusations

What I do see Jesus doing though, is handling an unjust accusation with dignity.   Tell me what I did wrong … if indeed I did do something wrong.   He’s bringing clarity to the situation isn’t he?

If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; Tell me what I did wrong.  

but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?.  But if I didn’t do something wrong, tell me then, why did you punish me?

Isn’t that a great approach when you find yourself in a confrontation?   To get clarity.  To ask the questions that you need, so that you understand what is going on.   Makes sense to me eh? 

What are your thoughts?

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. 🙂

Do you remember that Jesus told Peter to put his sword away?  Today in John 18:12-14 we see what happens next.

12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

Peter put up his sword.  Jesus was arrested and bound. 

Then they did something I think is odd.  They took him to the father-in-law of the high priest Caiaphas. They had him led before Annas.  I gotta wonder why?   Did Annas carry the most power?  Why go to him first?   Makes it feel like a conspiracy you know?  

Caiaphas was the individual who had said that it is better for one man to die for the people.

Caiaphas was high priest. So why go to Annas?  I didn’t know so I went looking for answers. Did you know that Annas used to be high priest until he was deposed by Roman Procrutor Gratus?  In the eyes of the people though, he was still a highly influential man. His son Caiaphas was a puppet High Priest, put in place by the Romans. 

Knowing this helps put the order of events into perspective doesn’t it?  Go to the respected man first, the one still called high priest and let him decide how events should proceed. 

Last time we met, Jesus showed his on-going concern for his followers, today we read from John 18:1-11.

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. ² Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. ³ So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. ⁴ Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” ⁵ They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. ⁶ When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. ⁷ So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” ⁸ Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” ⁹ This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” ¹⁰ Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) ¹¹ So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

After Jesus prayed to God, interceeding for us, he went with the disciples across to the garden.  You can see pictures of Kidron on wikipedia. Jesus and his disciples entered the garden. This was a place familiar to them.  We know this because  Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.

Who are you Looking for?

Judas…we know the story.  Judas let a band of soldiers and officers of the chief priests and Pharisees.  They had lights and weapons.  Jesus knew this would happen.  Remember, none of this is a surprise to him.  He steps forward and asks who they are looking for.

Their answer was straight forward “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus responded: “I am he.”

Now I don’t understand why this happens.  ⁶ When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Why would they do that?  Was it fear?   Is that why they came with weapons?  Afraid that Jesus would fight them?  Jesus didn’t though, instead he just asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 

Protecting His Followers

Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” ⁹ This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” Always, always Jesus sought to serve God’s will, his plan for humanity, that path of redemption.

Then Simon Peter… oh Peter, who loved the Lord so much, … went and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant Malchus. Jesus rebuked him, telling him to put that sword away.  He queried Peter “Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

Doing the Will of God

In doing so, he reminded Peter of his primary purpose, to do the will of God the Father.

Are we that focused?  To do the the will of God?  Even in the face of trial, of the fear of what comes next.  Jesus is completely focused on protecting this people and doing the will of God.

Yesterday we talked about the why of Jesus telling the disciples all that he did, today we delve in John 16:5-15. Today we see the Holy Spirit is promised to us.

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Jesus needed to tell the disciples all that he did because he won’t be with them any longer.  He’s going away, back to him who sent me, back to God the Father. He wants them to remember all that he has told them.    But he notes something: none of the disciples asks him where he is going.  None the less, sorrow fills their hearts. 

I can’t really blame them eh?   They’ve spent most of the past three years with Jesus, and now they know he’s leaving.  It’s not surprising that they are sad about that. There sorrow doesn’t stop Jesus though.  In fact, he tells the disciples this truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

Helper Promised

Oh… if Jesus goes away, the Helper will come.  Do you know who the helper is?  I just had a sermon on this!   The helper is the Holy Spirit!  So the deal is this.  Jesus stays here, the helper doesn’t come.  Jesus goes back to God the Father and he will send the Holy Spirit to us.  The Holy Spirit is first off… a helper.   That’s what Jesus calls him.   But not only that he will convict the world in regards to sin, righteousness and judgement. 

• Sin – they don’t believe in Jesus
• Righteousness – he goes to the Father and they won’t see him any more
• Judgement – The ruler of the world is judged. 

Jesus has a lot of things yet he wants to tell the disciples, but overload happens eh?   So when the Spirit comes HE will guide them into  all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

Oh, I read those words and it sounds just like what Jesus did.  Jesus didn’t speak on his own authority either.  He speaks only what he hears…what he KNOWS he should speak.   Just like Jesus who only spoke what God told him to. Oh.. just another way of showing the interconnectedness of everything eh?  Anyways, the Holy Spirit.. the helper, the Spirit of truth will declare to the disciples the things that are to come.

The Job:

The job of the Holy Spirit?  Glorify the Son.  Because he takes what is Jesus’ and declares it to the disciples.  Just like Jesus took what was God’s and made known what he could to them.  Triangles in triangles eh?  God – Jesus – Holy Spirit. One leads to another which leads to the next.  He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Oh.. I am so glad I am taking my time with these sections.  It’s helping it all come together better for me. Is it doing the same for you?   See how one flows to the next and everything.  

God loves the Son, the Son loves us, he gifts us the Holy Spirit who helps and guides and teaches what he’s given from Jesus, who gives what he’s been given from God.  We show our love to God through our obedience, just as the Son does to the Father God and love circles back in God’s care for his people. It’s neat!  🙂

Last time we were together we learned how we shouldn’t be surprised at the world’s hatred of us, today we study the first four verses of John 16.

“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

Why has Jesus told the disciples all these things… about the need to love, about who he is, about the world’s hatred, about how we show our love in obedience?  Why, in his final days, are these things so important to impart to the disciples?

Jesus says these things for this reason: to you to keep you from falling away.  Do you see how he wants to strength their faith by reminding them of the important things. His connection to God, his connection to them, how we are connected to him and show our love in obedience, and oh…. the importance of love.  These things strengthen us in hard days. 

A Warning

He then warns the disciples of what will happen. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. In the Jewish faith, the synagogue is an important part of life.  Imagine how hard it would be to be removed from something pivotal to your life?   And then, because of your faith in God, in the moving forward in faith you are kicked out of it.  Not only that, to know that death might well await you. Those killing you thinking they are doing duty to God.  Think on that.   There are times I think about ISIA and jihadists and how they believe they kill Christians out of service to Allah, to god.  To know you are dying because they are wrong in their faith.  Not an easy thing that.

Stop and think about it though… they don’t really know God, they aren’t connected to him.   Neither are they connected to Christ the son. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.

Jesus wants his people to know this though… for when the hour comes….he wants them to remember all that he has told them.  He wants them strengthen in their faith and ready for the day when it comes.   But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

Persecution Needed?

When I was in college I wrote a paper once about how Christians in North America need to remember that we belong to the Lord.  It too easy for us to take our faith to granted and postulated that we need some type of difficulty thrown at us.  My professor asked if I thought we needed some persecution?   I told him, maybe.  Hard times help us to remember the important things you know?   They draw us back into remember God’s care and concern for us. Through our remembrance, to take our faith more seriously.    I still kinda wonder if we need more of that HERE in our lives now.   Something to shake the church up a bit, recalling us back to the need to love and not get caught up in the petty concerns of life.  To remember that inter-connectedness of God, His Son, the Holy Spirit AND US. 

At the same time… I don’t want my lad to die for his faith.  I don’t particularly want to be killed, thrown in prison or whatever over my faith.  Yet at the same time, God calls me to remember, to know that even though I DIE…. he will be glorified in my obedience. How important it is that I stay true to the faith.  So which should be my greater prayer?  To suffer persecution as a way to strengthen the church?   I don’t know, I honestly don’t.

What do you think?