April 24, 2013

John 18: 15-18  ¹⁵ Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, ¹⁶ but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.

¹⁷ “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter.

He replied, “I am not.”

¹⁸ It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

Until I had closely read the verses of Peter's denial of Christ closely, I had held some admiration for Peter's bravery in even being at the courtyard.  My thinking was that at least Peter had stayed with Jesus longer than the others.  Today's reading took the shine off that apple.

Peter was not the only disciple to accompany Jesus after the arrest. In fact he did not even accompany Jesus as far as the nameless disciple who "went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard."  Then to make matters worse for Peter's defense, the other disciple even garnered Peter access into the courtyard.  This special-status was not sufficient to embolden Peter.

Any excuses offered for Peter's denial evaporate at this point.  He was not alone.  He had the support of another Believer.

Will you deny Christ today in your actions or with your words?  Why?  Fear?  Habit?  Oversight?  Apathy?  As a Christian, we are in the Great High Priest's courtyard.  We are indwelled with the Holy Spirit.