John 18:15-27
Q.1. How was it that John was known to the High Priest, and was a disciple of Jesus at the same time? How did Peter get into the court of the priests? What led to his downfall? – (Jn.18:15-18)
The disciples of Jesus were Jews who had been raised in Judaism, as was Jesus Himself. In fact, Jesus clearly stated that He was fulfilling the prophecies relating to Messiah, and that Israel was His priority (c.f. Mt.4:21-22; 15:24). Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the Zebedee family had a long-standing friendship with the priests (Jn.18:15). John took Peter into the court of the High Priest. Everything was moving so quickly, that Peter was unprepared for a likely innocent question from a slave girl. As Jesus meekly handed Himself over to His enemies, Peter was caught off-guard. He thoughtlessly declared – ‘I am not!’ (Jn.18:17). It takes strength of character, determination, and humility to turn such a situation around. Peter was too numbed with confusion to stop the down-hill slide.
Q.2. Why was Jesus unwilling to answer the High Priest’s questions about His followers and teaching? Was His response to being struck by the officer appropriate? – (Jn.18:19-24)
Jesus was aware that the High Priest had other priests, Pharisees, and Sadducees checking up on Him and His teaching. They were reporting back. Jesus was not about to repeat information that He knew would be used in evidence against Him. He replied – “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret (Jn.18:20). One of the officers then struck Jesus in the face, chiding Him for speaking thus to the High Priest. To this Jesus courageously stated – … “If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?” (Jn.18:23). Since it was a ‘Kangaroo Court’, Jesus would respond no more to the false accusations, except when placed under oath by the High Priest (Mt.26:63-66).
NOTE: John seemed to suggest that both Annas and Caiaphas were High Priests. Annas was the High Priest from the ranks of the Sadducees from AD 6-15. He was removed from office by the Romans. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, his successor, and wielded enormous influence. Jesus was taken to Annas first. Annas was still seen by many to be the High Priest. Hence, he was called the High Priest (Jn.18:22). This explains why John recorded – So Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest (Jn.18:24).
Q.3. What made the bystanders question Peter about his allegiance to Jesus? How would the crowing of the rooster impact Peter? – (Jn.18:25-27 c.f. Mt.26:73-75)
Peter was trying hard to look inconspicuous, as he warmed himself by the fire. We learn from Matthews Gospel that his Galilean accent gave him away. Therefore, it was not surprising that another bystander confronted him about his attachment to Jesus. Again Peter denied it, as he had done previously. However, a better-informed accuser then spoke up – One of the slaves of the high priest, being a relative of the one whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” (Jn.18:28). He had been in the garden and had seen Peter’s bravado. As well, this person was actually related to Malchus (Jn.18:10). John didn’t tell us how Peter responded, but Luke recorded – 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly (Lk.22:60-62). That look of love from Jesus broke the proud fisherman’s heart.