John 18:12-27

Today we read of two scenes running at the same time: one inside and the other outside the house of Annas. Whilst the Jews considered the high priestly office as being for life the Romans appointed and replaced them as they saw fit, which is why Annas is still referred to as high priest.

The unnamed disciple (verse 15) is quite likely to have been John, and he seems to have been well known to the household.

Why Peter is so afraid to admit he is a disciple we don’t know, maybe his fear is heightened by the fact he has attacked one of the high priest’s servants and cut off his ear. Sadly, Peter does as Jesus predicted and denies him three times before the rooster crows. He was brave to go and follow Jesus into the courtyard, just not quite brave enough.

Meanwhile, inside, Jesus is defending his teaching by pointing out that everything had been done in the open; he has nothing to hide. Even when he is slapped Jesus refuses to be cowed. He challenges what is being done and that no witnesses have been bought and Annas cannot answer Jesus’ challenge.

So here we have one person retreating and one standing firm in the face of opposition. Of course, we know how the story ends and that Peter will be restored by Jesus, the one he denied. That must be an encouragement to all of us when we feel we have failed too.

Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.