"Peter's Denial and Jesus' Interrogation" (John 18:15-40)

“Peter Denies Jesus” (John 18:15–18, 25–27)
Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sunday AM/March 22, 2015

“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, 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. “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” 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.” (John 18:15–18, NIV)

“Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.” One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.” (John 18:25–27, NIV)

1.    Peter’s denial is a fulfillment of Jesus’ own prophetic words.

“Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” (John 13:37–38, NIV)

2.    Peter’s denial is an example of the truth that Jesus would have to bear the weight of our sins all alone on the cross, abandoned by his closest friends.

3.    Peter’s denial is a reminder that in our own flesh we are often over-confident, but in reality we are too weak to meet real life challenges to our faith.

4.    Peter’s repeated denials illustrate the truth that sin progressively binds the sinner.

5.    Peter’s denials reveal the power of the fear of man to ensnare us.

6.    Peter’s denials and Jesus’ forgiveness reminds us that we stand only by the undeserved grace of God for sinners.

“Jesus Is Interrogated” (John 18:19–24, 28–40)

“Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.” When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded. “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.” (John 18:19–24, NIV)

“Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?” “If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.” Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” they objected. This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die. Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.” (John 18:28–40, NIV)

1.    The interrogation of Jesus before Annas reveals the illegality and injustice that Jesus’ accusers would use to murder Jesus (19–24).

2.    The interrogation of Jesus before Annas reveals that Jesus was on the side of truth and openness, while his accusers were steeped in deception, plots, and manipulation (19–24).

3.    The trial of Jesus before Pilate reveals the hypocrisy of outward religion (28).

4.    Jesus is a true King, but his Kingdom is not a typical earthly kingdom with armies and political alignments. His Kingdom is a spiritual, heavenly one that unworthy sinners enter into by faith (33–36).

5.    Pilate’s skepticism regarding truth reflects our current postmodern age; but this narrative also reminds us that truth can only be found ultimately in Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life (37–38).

6.    Pilate’s willingness to release a condemned man and punish an innocent man reveals the pull of our depraved hearts toward ease, physical security, and the praise of man (38–39).

7.    Jesus’ standing in the place of Barabbas is a picture of what he came to do in his larger mission for sinners (39–40).

Main Idea: Christ endured the abandonment and denial of his friends and the injustice and manipulation of his enemies so that he might rescue sinners from death.