Arrests, Trials and Denials

John 18:12-28.

The Apostle John has had Jesus on trial, in varying degrees for most of his gospel narrative.

Now comes the ultimate climax to the growing tension that has been building up as John’s gospel draws near to it’s conclusion.

Today we will examine the arrest and trial of Jesus and the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophetic words of Peter’s denial.

As with the initial confrontation in the Garden with Judas and the Temple guards- The continuing theme here is the underlying conflict of this world’s authority and Divine destiny.

In our world, today, the Christian faith is under more pressure then ever before.

The opposition isn’t just happy with ridiculing or attempting to humiliate Christians for our faith...

The culture of the worldwide society now demands that Christians give up their long held beliefs, as they have become out of step with modern thinking, Society insists that calls for repentance and the admissions of sins puts an unfair burden on people- And Christians are only haters, bigots and hypocrite’s...

Always ready to play the “Holier than thou” card in the face of a world view that claims to just think differently.

What was, for centuries, an uneasy balance between the Christian Church and society has now become a demand from society that Christians abandon their faith as antiquated and out of set with modern times- To learn to get along with the mainstream thinking- In other words- Compromise on everything that Followers of Christ believe in.

The message for today, then, is this- We need to stand firm against the calls to deny our beliefs and to question our values and our faith.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church in Ephesus, challenges his audience to take of the “Full Armor of God”- To include the Shield of Faith to defend against the fiery darts of the enemy.

As we will see, Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, faltered under immense pressure- As we sometimes do as well.

The one thing that separates Peter from Judas is this:

Jesus knew the hearts of both these men:

Judas was filled with such despair and hopelessness that he went out and hung himself. There was no contrite heart or sense of forgiveness to be found in Judas.

Peter, however, although denying ever knowing Jesus, and returning to what he knew before- fishing. Jesus never gave up on him.

Jesus told Peter, that Satan was going to tempt him- But that Jesus was praying for Peter that his heart remain strong.

Peter was re-instated by Jesus, in one of the compelling passages in all of Scripture- Because The Son of God knew Peter’s heart.

And that makes all the difference.

So let’s begin with:

1- Arrested but Still in Control

John 18:12–14 ESV

So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

It is important to note, here that John mentioning specific names is vital for historical reference.

The non-Biblical writings of Josephus, the Jewish historians document the succession of the Jewish High Priest during this era.

Annas is the Father in law of Caiaphas. And, although previously removed from his role of High Priest, his opinion and status still carried much weight in the proceedings of the Temple.

The title of High Priest, in Annas’ case is honorary, as according to Jewish tradition there can only be one High Priest. Caiaphas was the ruling High Priest of that year.

The fact that Annas had five sons, as well as his son in law, become High Priest allowed Annas much prestige, power, wealth and greed- much of it carried out behind the scenes.

It is conceivable that Caiaphas had directed the soldiers to take Jesus to Annas first, if Caiaphas was trying to build a common ground bridge between the Jewish temple leadership and that of Rome.

In the midst of all the political intrigue and manipulations what we must keep in view is that the divine plan of God is still moving forward.

As it was then, it is still the same in our world today-

The politics of the world rage on- mostly blown by the ever changing winds of social and cultural whims and wishes.

Yet above it all God’s sovereignty reigns over all-

while the whims of man are ever changing, we can gain strength in knowing that God’s plan has never changed.

Knowing Gods intent and trusting in His purpose should reinforce our trust in Him.

2- Close and Yet so Far Away

John 18:15–18 ESV

Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.