August 30
________________________________________JESUS’ ARREST & PETER’S FIRST DENIAL
12 So the Roman cohort and the commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him, 13 and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people.15 Simon Peter was following Jesus, and so was another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest, 16 but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in. 17 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.19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “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.” 22 When He had said this, one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying, “Is that the way You answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?” 24 So Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. – John 18:12-24
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In this account, the saga of the suffering of Jesus begins. He was arrested by the Roman officers to be presented to Annas who was the father in law of Caiaphas, the high priest. Peter, followed them and was watching what they were going to do to his Master. Jesus was interrogated about his disciples and what He had been teaching them. When Peter was recognized by a slave girl of the high priest, he automatically denied that He was with Jesus. What an interesting way to show his loyalty to Jesus! Self-protection is second nature to us all when we feel threatened. But it is not Jesus’ requirement for his followers. We see how God loves his disciples so much and how he understands their fears and struggles. It is in this scene that soldier first struck Jesus when He answered his question.
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REFLECTION
• Why do we automatically protect ourselves and deny the Lord at times?