Peter’s Denial – John 18:12-18

Peter’s Denial – John 18:12-18

John 13:36-38

There is a sense in which Peter was willing to die for Jesus.

Jesus’ prophecy pointed out that even Peter would deny Him when it came down to it. 

Annas was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the High Priest

Annas held the office of High Priest previously, and the people most likely still thought of him as the High Priest. 

The other disciple here is likely John, the gospel writer. 

Contrast: Jesus, when confronted, says, “I am He,” and Peter, when confronted, says, “I am not Him.” 

In Defence of Peter

A.      Peter did Follow Jesus

B.      Peter did love Jesus

C.      Peter tried to defend Jesus

D.      Peter confessed Jesus to be the Christ

What went wrong?

A.      Peter was overconfident 

         Legalism and overconfidence are both about performance and earning approval 

         Legalism says, “I can” or “I don’t do.”

         The gospel says, “I can’t, but Christ did.”

B.      Peter failed to pray. 

         If we were to choose one that needed to pray, it would be Peter. 

         Why don’t we pray more than we do?  We do not think it is necessary. 

         If we were truly convinced of the necessity of prayer, we would do it more. 

C.     Peter Followed Jesus at a distance. 

        Luke 22:54

D.      Peter was “with them,” not “with Him.” 

 Spurgeon:

Three options: 

1.      You can try to have Christ and the world (like getting into a car and staying on the street)
2.      You can stay in the world (like continuing to stand in the mud)
3.      You can come to Christ (You can get into the car and let it take you the right way to the right place)