Scripture to Read: John 18:17–24
We know Jesus had told Peter (as recorded in Mark 14:30 and John 13:38) that Peter would deny Jesus three times before a rooster crowed. We read of Peter’s first denial in John 18:17–18, “Then the slave-girl who kept the door *said to Peter, “You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He *said, “I am not.” 18 Now the slaves and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves; and Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself.” This is the same Peter that just a little earlier had cut the ear off of the servant of the high priest. Peter’s courage was gone as he watched His Lord get arrested and be wrongfully interrogated. The problem with Peter at this point was that Peter still rested in and relied on his strength and not on the Lord’s. Then, we read (in John 18:19–24) the beginning of Jesus’ interrogation process. It started with being questioned by the high priest about His disciples and His teaching (John 18:19). Jesus answered in John 18:20–21“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. 21 Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said.” Jesus’ answer was truthful, but an officer started the physical abuse of Jesus that would come to an end in His crucifixion.
Challenge & Application
• Peter, for a time, rested more in his strength and not the Lords; so, how do you guard yourself from falling into the same trap?
• Even in Jesus’ mock trial, He spoke the Truth. How do you speak the Truth in love when being falsely accused?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!