The True High Priest

This pericope continues to depict the events surrounding the sacrificial death of the Son of God. After the surrender of Jesus, he is arrested, bound, and placed before the Jewish authorities for questioning. This makeshift Jewish trial had already been long decided; this was mere formality. But the Gospel’s interest is less on the Jewish authorities and their legal procedures and more on the witness of Christ and the of the disciples Peter when they are both confronted by the temple authorities. The narrative intentionally contrasts Christ with two significant characters in this pericope: the so-called Jewish high priest and the denial of Peter. We will learn to see more fully the nature of Jesus’s person and work as the High Priest and the true foundation of Christian discipleship and is exhorted to serve as a faithful witness to Christ in the world.

The Jewish Trial and its Witnesses (18:13-27)

Jesus Delivered to the Jewish Authorities (vv. 13-14)

The Lexham Bible Dictionary High Priests in the Old Testament

The high priest served several purposes that were crucial to Israelite worship. It was the high priest’s responsibility to see that the covenant was enforced, and to direct people to complete the duties of the temple and the law of Moses. As the representative for the nation of Israel, the high priest had a tremendous responsibility to direct the hearts of the people toward God and the fulfillment of the covenant. Some of the primary responsibilities of the high priest were the regular handling of sacrifices and offerings, the blessing of people, and the annual entrance into the most holy place within the tabernacle/temple during the Day of Atonement. Many of the duties, actions, and even the unique style of dress that was required of the high priest were symbolic.

Christ was handed to the religious leaders of Israel. Who were the greatest mediators between God and his people.

The First Denial of Peter (vv. 15-18)

The anonymous disciple and Peter go tot he courtyard to see Jesus. Peter is the outsider while the other unnamed disciple goes in because of his relationship with the high priest. Peter in fear denies Jesus and cuddles those looking from the outside.

The Witness of Christ and His Disciples (vv.19-24)

John writes as both of these events are happening simultaneously with one another. Peter is denying Jesus while on the other hand Jesus is calling to the witness of his disciples about his earthly ministry. Jesus never relinquish control of the situation and always ends his statements in question, leading the conversation rather than speaking lowly and quietly as someone that is full of guilt.

The Second and Third Denials of Peter (vv. 25-27)

Peter cannot escape and continues to deny Jesus thrice. In the end, Peter mourned over his unfaithfulness to Jesus.

Why is this passion narrative significant to us?

The True High Priest

Jesus is the true High Priest (Heb 4:14-16).

This high priest was not only offering sacrifice, he was the sacrifice. This high priest was the perfect sacrifice, “the Lamb of God” (1:29). While this high priest was not treated like the high priest, he was certainly acting like one.

The Disciple who was not acting like one. (vv.17,25,27)

At the very same moment Jesus was being denied by Peter, Jesus was claiming that his disciples were reliable witness to his teaching and therefore to his identity. Jesus is always faithful, even when we’re failing.

The Church as the Witness of Christ (v.21)

We are to live for the high priest and be his representative wherever we travel. We don’t deny, we testify about Jesus.

Jesus is the true high priest who removes our guilt and renews our witness.