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. Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, 'I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.' When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, 'Is that how you answer the high priest?' Jesus answered, 'If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?' Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, 'You are not also one of his disciples, are you?' He denied it and said, 'I am not.' One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, 'Did I not see you in the garden with him?' Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.
The phrase that stands out to me is, “testify to the wrong.” We fast forward this morning in the Gospel according to John to Peter’s denial of Jesus. I feel that this is an interesting and sharp contrast to yesterday’s reading and Peter’s bold proclamation that Jesus is the Messiah of God.
In this passage, Jesus has been arrested and taken to the high priest. He is subjugated to more questions about his actions and his identity. Even though they have arrested him, he still has done nothing wrong. In fact, Jesus reminds them that he has taught openly in the synagogues and in the streets. He is struck, and challenges the justness of the striking willing to accept it if he has done wrong.
The piece in the story that is interesting is the actions of Peter. Peter gets to the inside of the courtyard by who he knows. Yet, when he is there he tries to play incognito, and not be recognized. This is a stark difference in the Peter who recently took up a sword to defend Jesus’ arrest, not to mention the Peter who was quick to announce Jesus’ identity as the holy one of God. Peter takes an observant back seat in this reading, and does not step out on a limb. In fact, he denies even knowing Jesus when asked. One can argue that Jesus prophesied this would happen, and it was necessary to bring about his arrest and ultimate crucifixion. However, it’s not in the scope of the reading and therefore will not be addressed.
What my wonder is, would we dare to be as bold as Peter was originally for the Gospel, or would we turn tail and run? Would we stand up with Christ or would we deny that we ever knew him, fearing for our own life. Self preservation is extremely human, and avoiding a difficult situation is even more human.
I would like to think that the Gospel calls us to be bold and not deny Christ. However, knowing that Peter denied Jesus to save his own skin makes me think. Are we any better than the Apostle who holds the keys to the Kingdom? I do believe that we are called to a level of boldness that enables us to reach down deep and hold onto what we believe. My question is, do we let it be to our demise?
This reading was discussed at our vestry meeting. In that context, the thought that Peter was "brought in" stood out. There was also great discussion about the differences between Jesus and Peter - Jesus speaking openly to the world, and Peter hiding and trying to avoid the situation.
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