Truth Exposed 66 Contrast in Facing Accusation, John 18:12-27. (494)

Jesus before the Priests
The Hearing Before Annas (18:12-14)
Jesus willing surrender

Jesus had been taken captive by a band that included a Roman cohort, and officials from the court of the high priest. He was bound as a sheep being led to slaughter, or any common prisoner. His captors first led him to Annas.

Although Annas wasn’t currently high priest, at least one Bible commentator suggests that he had reigned earlier for a span that included the time of John the Baptist early ministry. He is said to have no less than five sons who were also high priest, as well as his son-in-law, Caiaphas.

A note from John MacArthur:

Annas (v. 13)—Annas was only High Priest from AD 6 to 15, but even after he was removed from office, he wielded tremendous influence over Caiaphas, his son-in-law.
Caiaphas (v. 13)—John does not record this examination in more detail; see Matthew 26:57-58.

John takes the time to point out that Caiaphas had made a prophecy earlier about Jesus. Namely that he would die for the sake of his nation.

Followed
The Denial by Peter (18:15-18)

There were two disciples that followed Jesus at this time. Besides Simon Peter, the other one is unnamed. It is commonly held that the unnamed disciple is John. Simon along with his brother Andrew were fishermen. John along with his brother James were also fishermen. Somehow, John had a close enough connection to the high priest that he was recognized and allowed inside.

Why did Peter hesitate? John seems to have no problem being inside the house and sent for John to come in as well.

A note from John MacArthur:

known to the high priest (v. 16)—The word “known” can imply friendship; John was more than just an acquaintance.

First Denial

While John seems to have no trouble with those who are out in the courtyard, Simon seems to have had an anxiety attack. He lingered long enough to be noticed by the servant girl who let him inside. She asked if he was also, were the disciples. This may indicate that she also recognized John and had no trouble admitting Simon as well. However, Simon apparently didn’t take it that way. John continues to describe the scene where the servant girl, Simon as well as the court officers are warming themselves near a fire. Simon doesn’t do so well at this first accusation, let’s see how Jesus is holding up.

Jesus Before Annas

John doesn’t go into details about the interrogation, only to say that he was questioned about his disciples and teaching. The implication might’ve been that he said a lot in secret. Jesus responded that he openly and often taught in synagogues. Even the religious leaders were witness to his public statements. Jesus also suggested that they consult any of the numerous people who set in on his public teachings.

At this point John records that a court official struck Jesus for talking to the high priest in this way. Normally this might be the correct thing to do, but Annas was not officially the high priest. Also, In the arresting and conducting this trial there were several mosaic laws that were being broken. A couple of them were that the trial was not to start at night, and it could not start and end on the same day. Jesus response showed his dignity in the face of the injustice when he asked that if he spoke wrongly, they should testify to his wrong. And if he was correct, they should be the ones to explain themselves to him.

With nothing more to be found at this first encounter, honest sent him on his way for his trial to officially begin with Caiaphas. Jesus e was once again bound in leather way.

Peter’s Denial of Jesus

back to Peter who was still warming himself in the courtyard. There was likely small talk being done, and in the process, others once again recognized him as a disciple. Other gospel writers indicate that he was identified as a Galilean, and the follower of Jesus of Nazareth. They asked if he was also a disciple, language that they might have also identified John. The question remains is if they recognize John, why was the pressure on Peter? His internal battle was strong, and Peter ended up denying Jesus a second time.

As if to turn up Peter’s anxiety and notch, one of them was a relative of the man whose ear he cut off earlier in the night. When he asked if it was Peter that he saw in the garden, Peter denied Jesus a third time in the rooster crowed. Prediction fulfilled.

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