[:en]SCRIPTURE: JOHN 18
Bible Verses:
“ Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” (John 18:8-9)
“Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.). Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11-12)
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37-38)
JESUS ARRESTED (vs. 1-11)
After praying, Jesus and his disciples went to the Olive grove. Judas guided a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees carrying with them torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus revealed himself so that the disciples could go. Simon Peter drew a sword and cut off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. But Jesus commanded Peter to put his sword away.
JESUS TAKEN TO ANNAS (vs. 12-14)
They brought Jesus to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest.
PETER’S FIRST DENIAL (vs. 15-18)
Peter followed Jesus from the courtyard. A girl asked Peter: “Are you not one of his disciples?” Peter replied: ” I am not” (v. 17)
THE HIGH PRIEST QUESTIONS JESUS (vs. 19-24)
While questioning Jesus, one of the officials struck him in the face. Jesus said: “If I said something wrong, testifying as to what is wrong, but I spoke the truth. Why did you strike me? (v. 23)
PETER’S SECOND AND THIRD DENIAL (vs. 225-27)
While Peter stood warming himself, someone asked him. “You are not one of his disciples are you?”. He denied it saying: “I am not” (v. 25). Then a relative of the priest’s servant whose ear had been cut off by Peter challenged him. Didn’t I see you with him in the Olive grove? Again, Peter denied it and at that moment, a rooster began to crow. (v. 27)
JESUS BEFORE PILATE (VS. 28-40)
The Jews led Jesus to Pilate. But Pilate find no basis for a charge against Jesus. So he gave them a choice. To release Jesus or Barabbas. They chose to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus.
THOUGHTS:
- Peter tried to protect Jesus by pulling the sword cutting off the ear of the official’s servant. Sometimes it is also very tempting to take actions into our hands. But we must trust God to work out his plan.
- Peter had denied Jesus 3 times. But all of us are also guilty of denying Him in many areas of our lives. We may have also kept secret our identity as believers in times of pressures. Like Peter, we must come to Jesus for forgiveness and healing.
- Despite of Peter’s betrayal, Jesus forgave Peter and restored him. No sin is too great for Jesus to forgive if you are truly repentant.
- Pilate had the authority to release Jesus because he found no fault in him. But he was cowardly and indecisive. He found a way to escape responsibility by given the decision to the Jews. If you are in a position to make a tough decision, do not put the responsibility to someone else. Instead, seek God’s wisdom and follow his guidance.
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