We Are Weak, But He Is Strong
Scripture Passage: John 18:19-27 (NASB)
19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. 21 Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said.” 22 When He had said this, one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying, “Is that the way You answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?” 24 So Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He denied it, and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the slaves of the high priest, being a relative of the one whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed.
SUMMARY
Jesus has been arrested and is standing in front of the high priest, Annas, the father-in-law of high priest Caiaphas. The high priest asks Jesus about His disciples and His teaching. Jesus answers that He had spoken everything openly in synagogues and at the temple. Then, high priest Annas sends Him to high priest Caiaphas. However, Peter, who was standing at the high priest’s courtyard with the servants of the high priests, denies being one of Jesus’ disciples. When Peter denied Jesus the third time, a rooster began to crow, which was foretold by Jesus.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
In today’s passage, from vv. 19-23, Jesus showed Himself as a confident, uncompromising, and trustworthy person at the courtyard of the high priest even though it was a moment close to His death. He did not refuse or resist the high priest’s questions. He knew the hour came in order to accomplish His work in the world. He was confident with what He has done and spoken openly in public.
Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus has been revealed as the Messiah (4:26) and the Son of God (1:49), who came to the earth to take away the sins of the world (1:29) and to give eternal life to whomever believes in Him (3:16). He proclaimed, “I AM the bread of life (6:35),” “the light of the world (8:12),” “the door of the sheep (10:7),” “the good shepherd (10:11),” “the resurrection and the life (11:25),” “the way, the truth, and the life (14:6),” and “the true vine (15:1).” He taught His disciples that “I am He,” the Creator and Lord in the Old Testament. In this scene, Jesus' attitude and appearance have not been changed. His emotions were not visible nor unstable. He was fulfilling His purpose of coming to earth. He knew where He came from, what His mission was on this earth, and where He was going.
In contrast to Jesus, from vv. 25-26, Peter looked vulnerable, fearful, doubtful, and dark. At last, while he was standing with the servants of the high priest, he denied his relationship with Jesus.
Peter lived with Jesus for three years. He had physically seen, eaten with, touched, and talked to Jesus. However, he must have been in fear because his faith and hope in Jesus was now shaking. He was confused and doubtful about his teacher. Jesus repeatedly told His disciples that He came from God the Father, to follow the Father's will, and to give eternal life to those who believe in Him. He told His disciples to take heart because they will have trouble, but they did not truly understand His words. Peter could not believe in Jesus nor could he remember Jesus’ words because he had not received the Holy Spirit, yet. However, later on, Peter no longer feared man or death, but was transformed into a bold preacher of the Gospel after the day of Pentecost (Acts. 2).
Sometimes, even though I do QT everyday and try to walk with Jesus, I also have doubts and confusion about things happening around me like Peter did. Because of the uncertainty about the future, I lose peace of mind in a moment. However, because I know that I am weak and cannot do anything on my own, I seek God and kneel down before Him. Whenever I sought His will, He has always led my life through the Word and has kept His promises for me. I cannot live without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who teaches me and helps me to remember God’s Word. Peter’s failure awakens me to seek the Holy Spirit who dwells in me, now more than ever. Without the Holy Spirit’s help to remember the Word, I can fall at any moment.
APPLICATION
These days, I feel my spiritual rhythm is loosening. I want my spiritual rhythm to be revived and I want to be filled with the Spirit through early morning prayer and QT. I trust Jesus’ promise, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” (John 16:13)
PRAYER
Thank You, Lord, for You dwell in me. Apart from You, I am nothing and can do nothing. Fill my heart with the Spirit, so I can listen to Your voice and follow You in every moment. Help me to seek You humbly and earnestly every morning.
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