Lesson 4572

 (Lesson 4572)(08-10-24) John 18:12-27 

   “Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself. The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.” 

 

   In today’s quote, after Jesus was arrested, He was bound and taken first to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest. Caiaphas is the one who had advised that it would be better for one man to die for the people. Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus to the courtyard of the high priest, where Peter was questioned and denied knowing Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted. Meanwhile, Jesus was questioned by the high priest about His disciples and His teachings. Jesus responded that He has always spoken openly an d asked why they were questioning Him then. One of the officers slapped Jesus because of His response, but Jesus calmly asked why He was slapped for speaking the truth. Finally, Jesus was sent bound to Caiaphas, while Peter's third denial occurred, and immediately, a rooster crowed. Today’s lesson demonstrated the weakness of Peter’s faith and the determination of Jesus to fulfill His divine mission.~