The Gospel of John: John 18.1-40

Read and meditate on John 18.15-24.
The trial of Jesus is really two trials in one, and each begins in this passage.

                                            ¹⁵And
so Simon Peter followed Jesus, and
another of His friends, also. And that
disciple, since the high priest knew him, went
along with Jesus as the soldiers led
Him to the high priest’s court yard. ¹⁶Peter stayed
outside; but that other disciple made
it possible for him to enter. Since
he knew the priest, he managed to convince
the keeper of the door to let him in.
¹⁷The servant girl, who kept the door, said when
she let him in, “Aren’t you one of this Man’s
disciples?” He said, “I am not.” ¹⁸So then,
since it was cold, they made a fire to warm
themselves. And Peter stood there, too, to warm
himself.

              ¹⁹The high priest questioned Jesus then
of His disciples, and His doctrine. ²⁰Then
He answered, “I have spoken openly
to all the world, in synagogues, to meet
where all the Jews do, in the temple. I
in secret have said nothing. ²¹So then why
do you ask Me? Ask those who heard Me what
I said to them. Indeed, they really ought
to know.” ²²And when He said this, standing by,
an officer struck Jesus, saying, “Why
do you speak thus to the high priest?” ²³And He
replied, “If I have spoken wrong, show Me
the evil; but if well, then why do you
strike Me?” ²⁴Then Annas bound and sent Him to
the high priest, Caiaphas.

- John 18.15-24

Reflect
1.  The first trial is that of Peter. Peter had boasted that he was ready to die with Jesus, if need be. The Lord decided to try the limits of Peter’s confidence. Peter seemed to begin well, going with “the other disciple” (undoubtedly, John) into the very court yard where Jesus was to stand before the high priest. We can give him some marks for this. Why? Complete this prayer: Lord, I know that I can sometimes let my own sense of safety or convenience to…

2.  But it’s not enough to begin well. Perhaps Peter was caught off guard by the servant girl (a servant girl!) inquiring as to whether he was one of Jesus’ disciples. Do we ever get caught off guard about our faith? There is more than a little irony in Peter’s reply to her. Recall Jesus’ response to being questioned in the garden (vv. 5, 8). Contrast Peter’s response with that of Jesus. Lord, I hope I would never flatly deny You, but I’m sure that I do at times, such as when…

3.  It’s also clear that Peter’s concern for his own wellbeing would ultimately get the best of him. Rather than stand with Jesus on the cold pavement, he stood with the enemies of Jesus around a warm fire. Are we ever tempted to do this? In what ways? How is the “trial” of Peter going so far? If you had been with Peter before he entered that court yard, what counsel might you have given him? Lord, we betray you in small steps that can end up in giant calamities. Help me to recognize whenever…

4. Now begins the “trial” of Jesus (v. 19). Jesus spoke truly, but obliquely, and in particular, as a Shepherd protecting His sheep. Explain. How do you assess Jesus’ first response to these interrogations? Lord, You do all things well. Help me to learn from You how I can…

5.  It’s pretty clear from the beginning where this trial is going. Jesus’ interrogators are not interested in the truth; they intend to silence Jesus, once and for all. Jesus was unlawfully struck by one of those standing near him (cf. Acts 23.1-5). How do you assess Jesus’ response to the one who struck Him? Is there any counsel here for us, when we are similarly challenged, or even abused? Bring together into one prayer the prayers you wrote for questions 1-4.

Summary
“The fire of love was smothered in Peter’s breast, and he was warming himself before the coals of the persecutors, that is, he was warming himself with the love of this present life, which only increased his weakness.” Gregory the Great (540-604 AD)

Self-interest and convenience are the enemies of truth. How can you tell when self-interest and convenience are leading you to deny Jesus?

Closing Prayer
Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the great mountains;
Your judgments are a great deep;
O Lord, You preserve man and beast.
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house,
And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.
Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You,
And Your righteousness to the upright in heart.

Psalm 36.5-10

Psalm 36.5-9 (Landas: My Faith Has Found a Resting Place)
Your lovingkindness, Lord, is great, it reaches heav’n above;
Your faithfulness mounts to the skies, and keeps us in Your love.
Your righteousness like mountains high and judgment like the deep
Preserve Your creatures one and all and in Your mercy keep.

How precious is Your love, O Lord; we shelter in Your wings.
We drink refreshment to the full from Your abundant springs.
You give us freely of Your grace, we drink it with delight;
Life’s fountain is with You, O Lord, in Your light we see light.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.