Peter's Denial / C

main point - I most noticed the difference in behavior between Peter and "another disciple" who I think is supposed to be "the disciple Jesus loved". Peter is afraid and hangs back but the beloved disciple is known by the high priest and goes with Jesus, apparently unafraid.

new light - I hadn't really thought about the fact that the disciples were also in danger of being arrested and killed.

truth - is this true to my experience ... yes. I have to admit that if I were one of the disciples, I wouldn't even have the courage to follow at a distance, like Peter. I still cringe, telling new people that I'm a christian.

implications - I find inspiration in the example of the courage of the beloved disciple. And I'm comforted by the fact that Jesus still chose Peter to lead the disciples ... Jesus doesn't expect us to toe any special line to be accepted, he takes us as we are.

problems - it is kind of demoralizing to realize what a coward I am, but I try to keep focused on Jesus instead of myself.

John 18:15-18 (L)

Matthew (and probably other gospels) have a more detailed account of Peter's denial. Jesus had told Peter beforehand that he would do it, and Peter refused to believe it. Then it happened: he denied knowing Jesus not once but three times, then the cock crowed (as Jesus had predicted), "And [Peter] went out, and wept bitterly", much the way you or I might have done (and perhaps have done).

Going back to John there's an interesting comment on 18:18 by Adam Nicholson, writing about the KJ translators in God Secretaries (2003).

John 18: 15-18 Peter's Denial

Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in.

The woman said to Peter, "You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not."

Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself.

catching up -- on putting away the sword

1. What is the author's main point in this passage? (MAIN POINT)

I think the point of this passage was to affirm that despit this being the story of Jesus' arrest leading to his execution, Jesus remains in complete control.

2. What new light do I find in this particular reading of this passage of the text? (NEW LIGHT)

Similar to Job. And to certain stories in the Synoptics. The soldiers (I presume gentile) are shown as faithful in contrast to Judas (the betrayer) and Peter (who always seems to be doing the wrong thing for the right reasons -- you notice that about Pete?)

3. Is this passage true to my experience? (TRUTH)

In what way? The Son of God is betrayed by a close disciple to authorities who fear the world more than they love God. Pretty much standard operating procedure on planet earth I think. Despite the criminal injustice in thsi world Christ is in complete control. I hope in it. But true to my experience? My faith ain't that complete as yet.

4. What are the implications of this passage for my life? (IMPLICATIONS)

On the worst day. When chaos seems to reign over good and the poor and marginalized are led captive -- Christ remains in control. His cause is still served -- despite injustice and even through the injustice. In other words, trust.

5. What problems do I have with this passage? (PROBLEMS)

Obedience. Always comes to that in the end. I always know better than I do.

John 18:12-14

MAIN POINT

The main point -- uncomfortably enough -- seems to be that it is the Jewish authorities who have Jesus arrested.

NEW LIGHT

I had not noticed before the familial references here. In addition to whatever old boy's network there were also kinship ties binding these "authorities" to one another. A tight circle of mutual self-interest.

TRUTH

Wasn't it Bob Dylan who said to not trust anybody over 30? Mind you he's 62 now isn't he?

IMPLICATIONS

Not sure what might count as an implication here. That folks with power will join togetehr to protect it? Seems almost -- trivial.

PROBLEMS

Blaming the Jews again.