In the 18th chapter of John's Gospel we see the account of the arrest,denials of Peter and the trials of Jesus Christ. After the high priestly prayer of Jesus, He took His eleven disciples to the garden of Gethsemane. Judas came there with large number of soldiers to arrest Jesus. What an irony that they came there with torches to arrest the one who is the light of the world. Judas approached Christ with a kiss and it did not surprise Jesus because He was aware of Judas's plan. Jesus came forward and said"whom do you seek"? They said "Jesus of Nazareth". Jesus said "I am he" and thus stated His deity(John 8:58).At this statement those who came to arrest Jesus fell to the ground. Again Jesus asked them whom they seek?.Before they could arrest Jesus, He requested them to let go the disciples. Even in the crucial hour, His concern was not for Himself, but for the disciples. What a Savior! At this point Peter tried to defend Jesus with a sword and cut off the ear of Malchus. Jesus rebuked Peter and healed the servant. Peter misunderstood how to express his devotion to Christ. Jesus did not need Peter's protection(Matt 26:52-54). He willingly accepted the cup the Father has given to Him. This cup refers to the agony and suffering He endured on the cross. Do you know this Jesus who loved you and gave Himself for you as your Savior?
The temple guards took Jesus to Annas for the preliminary examination. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest. Annas had great influence over the Sanhedrin. Caiaphas had already drawn a conclusion about Jesus that it is expedient that one man should die for the people. It was an illegal trial. Jesus was tried by Annas who was not a high priest. Secondly His trial took place at night. Thirdly Jesus was beaten before he was charged.Fourthly false witnesses were hired to testify against Christ. Jesus went through three stages of Jewish trials and three Roman trials. He was falsely accused of subversion, opposing paying taxes to Caesar and claiming that He is the king. Jews Sanhedrin considered Jesus guilty but could not legally pass the death sentence on Him. Jews used the method of stoning to execute the criminals So they took Jesus to Roman Governor Pilot. Pilot asks the formal accusation for bringing Jesus before him. Jews had none. Jews wanted Pilot to pass death sentence on Jesus. So Jesus would be crucified as He predicted( Matt 20:17-19).Pilot asked Jesus"are you the king of Jews?" Jesus said that his kingdom is not political but spiritual(Rom 14:17). He was born to be king. He is the eternal king, the king of kings. Pilot met Jesus and was impressed, but not changed. Many people see Jesus as a good man,humanitarian, promoter of love and teacher of golden rule. But they miss the opportunity to know Him as their Savior and Lord. He came to bear witness to the truth. Pilot asked Jesus "what is truth?". Pilot failed to understand that the truth is the reality of God and was standing before him(John 14:6). Although He declared Jesus innocent but feared the angry Jewish leaders. Yet he tried the customary method at Passover to release one prisoner to spare Jesus. But the crowd asked for a robber rather then their king. Pilot tried to place the responsibility of Christ's death on Jews.. But it must be remembered that each person is responsible for his action to Jesus.
In this chapter we read about Peter's denial of Jesus. It was predicted by Jesus(John 13:36-38). Peter was ready to lay down his life for Christ, yet he failed.Is it possible that we could do what Peter did? He was standing with those who arrested his Master( John 18:18). Peter followed Jesus at a distance(Matt 26:58).
Peter sitting among the enemies of Jesus( Lk 22:55). Peter denied Jesus before a servant girl, people and Malchus relative.A mixture of fear, anger and insecurity contributed to Peter's failure. We are not immune from denying Jesus either. We deny Jesus when we are silent about Him and fail to identify with Him. We also deny Him when our life style is conformed to the world and do not manifest the transforming work of Christ in our lives(Matt 5:16). Do we attract or repel other to Christ by our attitude and action? Peter remembered the words of the Lord and repented. He went out and wept bitterly. He confessed his sin and the Lord restored him back. Peter received mercy and grace in times of need. Will you come to Jesus who wants to restore you and use you for His glory?
The temple guards took Jesus to Annas for the preliminary examination. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest. Annas had great influence over the Sanhedrin. Caiaphas had already drawn a conclusion about Jesus that it is expedient that one man should die for the people. It was an illegal trial. Jesus was tried by Annas who was not a high priest. Secondly His trial took place at night. Thirdly Jesus was beaten before he was charged.Fourthly false witnesses were hired to testify against Christ. Jesus went through three stages of Jewish trials and three Roman trials. He was falsely accused of subversion, opposing paying taxes to Caesar and claiming that He is the king. Jews Sanhedrin considered Jesus guilty but could not legally pass the death sentence on Him. Jews used the method of stoning to execute the criminals So they took Jesus to Roman Governor Pilot. Pilot asks the formal accusation for bringing Jesus before him. Jews had none. Jews wanted Pilot to pass death sentence on Jesus. So Jesus would be crucified as He predicted( Matt 20:17-19).Pilot asked Jesus"are you the king of Jews?" Jesus said that his kingdom is not political but spiritual(Rom 14:17). He was born to be king. He is the eternal king, the king of kings. Pilot met Jesus and was impressed, but not changed. Many people see Jesus as a good man,humanitarian, promoter of love and teacher of golden rule. But they miss the opportunity to know Him as their Savior and Lord. He came to bear witness to the truth. Pilot asked Jesus "what is truth?". Pilot failed to understand that the truth is the reality of God and was standing before him(John 14:6). Although He declared Jesus innocent but feared the angry Jewish leaders. Yet he tried the customary method at Passover to release one prisoner to spare Jesus. But the crowd asked for a robber rather then their king. Pilot tried to place the responsibility of Christ's death on Jews.. But it must be remembered that each person is responsible for his action to Jesus.
In this chapter we read about Peter's denial of Jesus. It was predicted by Jesus(John 13:36-38). Peter was ready to lay down his life for Christ, yet he failed.Is it possible that we could do what Peter did? He was standing with those who arrested his Master( John 18:18). Peter followed Jesus at a distance(Matt 26:58).
Peter sitting among the enemies of Jesus( Lk 22:55). Peter denied Jesus before a servant girl, people and Malchus relative.A mixture of fear, anger and insecurity contributed to Peter's failure. We are not immune from denying Jesus either. We deny Jesus when we are silent about Him and fail to identify with Him. We also deny Him when our life style is conformed to the world and do not manifest the transforming work of Christ in our lives(Matt 5:16). Do we attract or repel other to Christ by our attitude and action? Peter remembered the words of the Lord and repented. He went out and wept bitterly. He confessed his sin and the Lord restored him back. Peter received mercy and grace in times of need. Will you come to Jesus who wants to restore you and use you for His glory?
