#28 – Knowing God Better – John 18

I hope you’re enjoying these studies. We’re able to only hit some of each chapter. So I hope you’re able to take time to read the whole chapter.

You might remember, Judas was one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. He spent three years with Jesus and the other disciples. But at the end, helped the Romans arrest Jesus.

3 The leading priests and Pharisees had given Judas a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards to accompany him. Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons, they arrived at the olive grove.

Jesus shows his desire to protect the disciples who were with him:

4 Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward to meet them.
8 …”And since I am the one you want, let these others go.”

The rest of today’s study is going to focus on Peter.

Earlier in John 13, Jesus had told Peter that Peter would deny that he even knew Jesus. Not just once, but three times before the morning (before the rooster crows).

Can you imagine blowing it, not once, but three times? Yes, we can relate! So here we are in John 18.

Q – From the verses below, how many disciples followed Jesus as he was arrested and brought to the high priest?
A –

15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another of the disciples. That other disciple was acquainted with the high priest, so he was allowed to enter the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus.

John rarely refers to himself by name in his gospel. So it’s likely John who is there, with Peter. (John also shows up at Jesus’ crucifixion.)

Q – When Peter denied Jesus, was it under pressure from the high priest? How scared was Peter? Who did he cave into? (see below)
A –

16 …the woman watching at the gate, and she let Peter in.
17 The woman asked Peter, “You’re not one of that man’s disciples, are you?” “No,” he said, “I am not.”

Q – Who else did Peter give in to? (see below)
A –

18 Because it was cold, the household servants and the guards had made a charcoal fire. They stood around it, warming themselves, and Peter stood with them, warming himself.
25 they asked him again, “You’re not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “No, I am not.”

Q – Who else did Peter deny Jesus to? (see below)
A –

26 But one of the household slaves of the high priest… asked, “Didn’t I see you out there in the olive grove with Jesus?” 27 Again Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed.

Usually we stay in the Gospel of John. But I want you to see something from Luke’s gospel. Luke included more of the conversation between Jesus and Peter, when Jesus told Peter this would happen.

(By the way, Peter is often called “Simon Peter.”) From Luke 22:31-34: Jesus says:

32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

We’ll see that Peter became one of the bravest leaders of the early church (of the early Christians), boldly proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

Can you imagine Jesus praying for you? Knowing your faith would fail, but praying for you? Praying that you would become the one to strengthen others?

Don’t be discouraged by your failings. Jesus has not deserted us. He promises to never abandon us. (Hebrews 13:5)

If you have signed up for this study and are not sure you have ever received Jesus into your life, this explains how: www.everystudent.com/features/know-God.html

If you have begun a relationship with him, and sometimes get discouraged that you’re not a “better” Christian, I’d invite you to sign up for this series:

“Skip the Stress”
www.startingwithgod.com/skip-the-stress.html

Next study…Jesus’ conversation with Pilate (who orders his crucifixion).

Sincerely,

Marilyn Adamson
director of EveryStudent.com
and StartingwithGod.com