John_18

Scripture:

John 18:26-27

²⁶ One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” ²⁷ Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

Observation:

The final betrayal by Judas, after essentially selling Jesus out for a few pieces of silver, Judas leads the troops to where Jesus is praying so they can arrest him.  Peter responds, raising his sword I believe in an attempt to protect and defend Jesus, cutting off a soldier’s ear.  Then, as Jesus is arrested and taken in, the disciples scatter and Peter lives out the foreshadowed events Jesus had shared – denying Jesus 3 times before the rooster crows.

Understanding:

Albeit today’s reading reveals a snapshot moment in time of Peter’s life – one I’m sure he’s not proud – I think it’s fitting to remind ourselves of who Peter was leading up to this moment as well as who he became known as even after.

·      Peter was a fiercely loyal man. 

·      Like the other 11 apostles, he left his occupation to follow Jesus for three years, learning directly from Him about the kingdom of Heaven.

·      After being invited by Jesus to come, Peter got out of his boat and for a brief few moments walked on water (Matthew 14:28-33).

·      Peter correctly identified Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 16:16), not through his own knowledge but the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.

·      He was chosen by Jesus to witness the transfiguration.

·      After Pentecost, filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly proclaimed the gospel in Jerusalem as a fearless missionary for Christ, unafraid of arrest and persecution.

·      Most scholars consider Peter the eyewitness source for the Gospel of Mark. He also penned the books 1 Peter and 2 Peter.

https://www.learnreligions.com/peter-the-apostle-member-jesus-inner-circle-701069

I listened to a sermon/message this week where this moment was discussed – the moment where Peter denied Jesus for a 3^rd time as he heard the rooster crow…just as Jesus had said would happen (and Peter rebuffed).  The speaker raised the question what do you think Peter’s face looked like in that moment?  The universal image of shame comes to mind – face down, shoulders low.  We all know that look, have felt that feeling.  But the speaker then asked what do you think Jesus’ face looked like in that moment?  I don’t know about you but I began to tie a human reaction to it – a face of anger, disappointment, “see, I told you so!” or so frustrated that you don’t even want to make eye contact with them right then.  But he went on to share that God does not look away; He sees the sin [your sin, my sin, our sin] and does not avert his eyes, he doesn’t shame us or hide from us or avoid us but he also doesn’t pretend it didn’t/is not happening.  

 

And if we look to Peter's story, we also find ourselves forgiven.  

Life Application:

The speaker tied this to our current circumstances of a nation dealing with racism.

 

I’m sure every one of us has been forced to face the topic of racism in some form or fashion in these last several months.  So, how do we respond?  Do we get angry and raise up our sword?  Do we look away and pretend as if it’s not happening or it’s not really a problem?  Do we point fingers and blame?  Do we stand up alongside and/or for our brothers and sisters?  Do we have the uncomfortable conversations and recognize our own part in it – regardless of how shameful that may be?

My thoughts are that we do not look away.  We keep the gaze – full of love and grace.  We are honest with ourselves and own our part...and walk in forgiveness, not shame, but also don't allow it to happen again.

 

…and we “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice”

(Proverbs 31:8-9 NLT).

Rei

PS Loved this from a commentary I read this morning…may we remember His glory today. <3

“Wherever in our Lord’s life any incident indicates more emphatically than usual the lowliness of His humiliation, there, by the side of it, you get something that indicates the majesty of His glory.” (Maclaren)

· Jesus was born as a humble baby, yet announced by angels.

· Jesus was laid in a manger, yet signaled by a star.

· Jesus submitted to baptism as if He were a sinner, then heard the Divine voice of approval.

· Jesus slept when He was exhausted, but awoke to calm the storm.

· Jesus wept at a grave, then called the dead to life.

· Jesus surrendered to arrest, then declared “I am” and knocked all the troops over.

· Jesus died on a cross, but in it He defeated sin, death, and Satan.

https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/john-18/