The Gospel of John: The Denial

The Gospel of John: The Denial

John 18:12-27

Annas & Caiaphas (v. 12-14)

•      Jesus is led to Annas, who was not the high priest at the time

–     His son-in-law Caiaphas was

–     Along with several of his sons before that

•      But had been from AD 6 to 15, and still held a lot of power

•      The Roman governor appointed the high priest

–     Though Scripture mandated that it be a life-long position (Num. 35:25, 28, 32; Josh. 20:6)

 

The First Denial (v. 15-18)

•      Peter and another disciple follow Jesus from a distance

–     The other disciple = probably John

•      Possibly a distant relative to the high priest or socially connected

•      Procures access to the high priest’s court

•      When Peter is questioned by the servant girl, he denies being Jesus’ disciple

 

The First Trial (v. 19-24)

•      When the high priest questions Jesus, it is at night

–     Thus considered illegal

•      Unlike Jesus who does His work in the open (v. 20)

•      Perhaps one reason why Jesus does not testify about Himself is to shed light on the injustice

–     He calls on the high priest to produce witnesses

•      Which was required by the Law (Num 35:30; Deut. 17:6; 19:15)

•      Jesus also points out the soldier’s response is illegal

–     Not based on wrongs committed or witnesses

•      Thus, those who claim to obey the Law:

–     Fail to keep it

–     Fail to understand that the Law points to Jesus the Messiah

 

The Final Denials (v. 25-27)

•      Peter again is questioned about being Jesus’ disciple

–     And twice more denies Him

–     After which a rooster crows, thus fulfilling Jesus’ words (13:38)

•      But this is not the end of Peter’s story in John’s Gospel (21:15-23)

 

So What?

•      Jesus’ trials are a reminder that His death was unjust. And yet by it He brought about eternal justice; His death paying the price that our sins deserve. Thus sin is not unpunished, but rather is paid for by Jesus’ unjust death

•      Even when we deny Him, there is hope, for Christ’s desire is to forgive and restore us.

Meditation Verse: 1 Peter 3:18