The Trials of Peter & Jesus

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Introduction:

For the next 6 weeks we will resume our pilgrimage through the gospel of Luke toward the Ascension.

This week and next we are ushered by Luke into 3 “courtrooms”: The court of Peers (public opinion); The court of Perception (a puppet rule); and the court of Politics (Human Authority that may or may not represent God’s Justice).

In Both of these courts we see tragic outcomes. Peter finds tragedy because he is isolated. Ever since the Garden of Eden, God has said that it is not good for man to be alone. When we are isolated, we make bad decisions. We become better when we lean on the strength of others and allow their correction to our blindspots. As this is the first Sunday of the New Year, allow be to offer some free advice. Make it a priority to worshipwith others, to learn from others and to serve with others in the remaining 364 days.

The tragic outcome at Caiaphas’ palace is due to people who overvalued their importance. They presumed authority to make a decision contrary to fact, because it did not fit their expected narrative. These priests, scribes, and elders got “out of their lane” because they made a determination apart from truth. The second piece of free advice I offer you for 2022 is make it a priority to learn the Truth, fill your heart and your head with the Word of God!

Regardless of what else this new year may hold; I am confident that time in the Word of God and participation in Biblical Community will reap positive results in your life.

If you look at your listening guide, you will see that I have titled this message as Trials. Have you ever thought about the difference between trials and temptations? I believe the goal of temptations is to bring failure, however, the purpose of a trial is to reveal strength. In these two trials, Peter fails, but Christ demonstrates a strong resolve.

Have you ever watched a movie or a game after you knew the outcome? Once you’ve seen one Hallmark movie, all the rest of them fit into this category.

Remember that as Luke records this history, he writes after the ascension about events that happened before the crucifixion so as Peter denies, Luke already knows he will be restored and preach on Pentecost. As the Sanhedrin claims Jesus to be blasphemous, Luke already knows that the resurrection will prove that Jesus was exactly who He claimed to be!

Transition: The lesson is that neither of these judgments are terminal. But there will be a final and permanent judgment. Let us look at the first trial that Luke describes…

Peter Appears in the Court of Peers (vv.54-62)

An Attempt to hide in the shadows (vv.54b-57)

1. Mk 14 and Mt 26 give additional details to this scene. In those gospels Peter claims, “even if all others abandon, I will not”. While Peter may be fulfilling the letter of that promise, his spirit is revealed in the darknessand the distance. I’m “with” Jesus, but I’m not close enough that people can accuse me of being “with Jesus”

2. The you in 52 and 53 is the same plural group of people as they in 54 and 55. After the priests went into Caiaphas’ house, the rest of the mob settles down outside and kindles a fire. This is the mob where Peter finds himself seated.

3. Many of us are familiar with the warning in Psalm 1 that bad things happen when we cozy up with those who are apart from Christ.

Psalm 1:1 ESV:2016

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

4. When Peter sad down by the fire, the loss was already in the books, it now becomes a sad story of how bad will his denials become.

5. The first interaction is with a servant girl. When Peter responds, he highlights that she was female, meaning she had no standing to make any substantial judgment.

An Allegation confirmed by another (v.58)

1. The second interaction is elevated from a servant girl to a person.

2. This complaint cannot be dismissed as easily. Because personhood is established and a person has standing to express a concern.

An Accusation supported by evidence (vv.59-60)

1. Now a second person agrees with the previous complaint and even offers evidence (being a Galilean) to support his claim.

2. When one person criticized you, apparently Peter considered the source and dismissed it.

3. When three people criticize and explain their reasoning, it becomes difficult to continue as if nothing has been said.

4. Before the mob can act on this testimony, the end of v. 60 immediately the reason Luke includes this story is revealed.

A prophesied arraignment is fulfilled (vv.61-62)

1. Jesus doesn’t even have to say a word. Luke 22:34 had made the outcome perfectly clear.

2. Peter couldn’t blame the accusers. His mouth had written a check that his devotion and obedience could not cover.

3. The amazing love of Jesus becomes even more incomprehensible when one considers that Jesus offered the bread and wine to Judas and Peter before predicting Judas’ betrayal in 22:21 and Peter’s denial in 22:34.

Application

1. Peter and Judas both became sad/sorrowful after their sin. Sadness by itself does not merit forgiveness.

2. Judas’ sadness led to despair. Peter’s sadness led to repentance. But Peter’s repentance was not immediate.

3. In John 21 an exchange is recorded that appears between verses 43 & 44 of Luke 24. In this exchange Jesus forgives and restores Peter.

4. While Luke does not record the specific event of Peter’s restoration, Luke’s 2nd volume, the Acts of the Apostles, portrays Peter as the hero for the first 12 chapters until Paul slips into the lead character role.

5. Luke platforming of Peter in Acts 2-12 becomes even more pronounced in the shadow of this character failure.

6. And for you also, your best days in kingdom effectiveness might still be in front of you, in spite of past or current failures.

Transition: I believe the next section of verses overlap Peter’s event. In verse 60 the rooster crows; in v. 66 we read “when day came”; so I believe vv. 63-65 are happening concurrent with vv.55-59. Let’s move from the courtyard into the events within the house.

Jesus is Forced into a Puppet Court (vv.63-71)

The Perceived Authority (v.54a)

1. The priesthood had evolved into something it was never intended. God gave judges, prophets and kings to decide disputes.

2. You may recall that when the promised land was divided, there was no section deeded to the Levites. However, the Levites were permitted to lodge in the cities of refuge between their times of service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. I may be reading into what is actually here, but when I see the High Priest with a house large enough to host the events of 63-65, it suggests that the Sanhedrin was fleecing the people, more than serving the people.

News exposes like to reveal lavish homes of politicians and preachers whom it is assumed perform roles of service rather than accumulation. While their accumulation may be totally legal, there is a sense that something isn’t quite as it should be. That is the impression I get when I read these verses.

The Nighttime Abuse (63-65)

1. Notice that the mocking, beating, and blaspheming happens BEFORE the trial even meets.

2. V.64 is based upon Is 11:3 where prophecy is made that Messiah can decide without seeing.

Isaiah 11:3 ESV:2016

3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear,

3. Just as Jesus specifically foretold Peter’s denial, in 18:32 Jesus had foretold this mockery and abuse. Time and again, His divinity (in that he prophesied accurately) is being evidenced.

The Daytime Accusation (66-71)

1. They have only 2 questions recorded by Luke, Are you the Christ? And Are you the Son of God?

2. Without an explicit “yes” or “no”, The council is satisfied that Jesus’ words equal a “yes!”

Some cults claim that Jesus never specifically claimed to be uniquely divine. I think the Sanhedrin and Jesus would beg to differ.

3. Jesus’ claim in v.69 is specifically rooted in a Messianic prophecy from Psalm 110 which Jesus has already used in 20:42 to irritate the Sadducees.

Psalm 110:1 ESV:2016

1 The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”

4. If they determined that he was claiming to be God, and Jesus never took opportunity over the next two days to clarify a misunderstanding as he moved toward certain execution. I think we can take confidence in what He meant.

5. I propose to you this morning the same conclusion as the council—“What further testimony do we need?”

a. We have all the evidence needed to decide that Jesus is Lord and to place our trust in Him for salvation.

b. We have all the evidence needed to submit to His Lordship and trust Him to protect us.

Conclusion:

Peter’s decisions in this moment reveal a lack of faith. Sanhedrin’s decisions in this scene reveal a lack of fear. Both of these responses elevate self and degrade Christ.

Peter’s fear of man (even a servant girl) denied him an opportunity to see God’s faithfulness to protect and provide for a disciple. The Sanhedrin’s denial of Christ’s authority denied them the opportunity to taste the salvation of God.

My prayer for us is that we would proudly wear the name of Christian. To share His love and proclaim His gospel.

Our final song this morning is a song of declaration and Testimony! I hope you can unashamedly claim…

Song #300..... “I’ll Tell the World that I’m a Christian”

Benediction: Revelation 22:21 “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”

Related Media

Related Sermons