Where do we stand?

 

Arraignment before the authorities     v12-27

This important narrative focuses on the main players as we would expect-Annas/Caiaphas/Simon Peter/Pilate, all concerning Jesus

12-14)  “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.”

The effrontery of Annas the deposed high priest.  In humble submission to the will of His Father, Jesus offered no resistance as they bound Him, to parade Him before the religious authorities.  This alone was a sham, for in strict terms Caiaphas had no claim to high priestly office, which was given only by descent of birth to the sons, not the sons-in-law of officiating high priests.  Legend has it that Annas, being high priest, had fallen out of favour with Rome, and appointed his son-in law, in his place, so that he could still have a say in proceedings.  This arrangement immediately rendered this court illegitimate.  Nevertheless they continued, having the effrontery to question the credentials of Jesus.   They had no legal right, and no moral right to stand in judgment of anyone, least of all Jesus who was blameless, and had nothing to answer these impostors.  Nevertheless, Jesus did not question his right to sit in judgment of Him, simply answered the false charges as they arose.

The courage and confusion of Simon Peter    15-18) “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 said the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, art thou not one of this man’s disciples?  He saith I am not.  And the servants and officers stood there, who had made fire of coals: for it was cold; and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them and warmed himself.”   

Once again Simon Peter took the lead, and if there be any criticism in our mind of him, we should remember what courage it took him to even follow, as the Lord had said “let them go”.  The situation was serious, a matter of life and death, and what would we have done?  Another disciple, not named, went with Peter, and it was probably the likes of Nicodemus or Joseph of Arimathea, who were both well known in high circles.  This disciple was known to the high priest and was able to gain access to the palace, and had Peter invited in.  However Peter never made it inside for he was cornered by the female keeper of the door who said he was one of the disciple.  Peter’s outright and abrupt denial, saw him standing with the enemies of the Lord, warming himself by the fire in the cold of night.  The significant phrase is “Peter stood with them”.  In verse 5 we read “And Judas also which betrayed Him stood with them”.  Now Peter stands with the same people, not in malicious betrayal, but in fearful disloyalty.  All this contrasts with the women in chapter 19v25 “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene.”  Where do we stand?  Judas stood with the oppressors in betrayal; Peter stood with the servants in denial; the women stood with Jesus in devotion.  How many times have we stood in the company of unbelievers and denied our Lord?  Peter’s human frailties were apparent but his courage was not in question.