John 18:12-18

Peter’s Denial

Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

(John 18:12-18, NLT) 12 So the soldiers, their commanding officer, and the Temple guards arrested Jesus and tied him up. 13 First they took him to Annas, since he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest at that time. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had told the other Jewish leaders, “It’s better that one man should die for the people.” 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. 16 Peter had to stay outside the gate. Then the disciple who knew the high priest spoke to 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.” 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.

Observation

• Jesus is arrested and “tied” up. I am not sure why you tie up a man who volunteers to come.

• Annas and Caiaphas are mentioned. John invites the reader to remember that the High Priest Caiaphas was the one who said it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to suffer.

• Two disciples follow Jesus after he is arrested. One disciple is not named, and the other is named (Peter). The unnamed disciple knows the high priest and is able to get into the courtyard and helps Peter gain access to the courtyard.

• It appears that the cost to enter for Peter is the denial that he knows Jesus.

• It is cold, so Peter warms himself by a fire. I find this contrast interesting. Jesus is suffering, and his disciple is warming himself by the fire.

Application

• I don’t want to suffer and would prefer to warm myself by the fire.

• I never want to deny my faith or my Lord.

• I want to believe that when others abandon Jesus for the comforts of life that I will not.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, you suffered so much to fix our human problem. As we begin the passion, I am reminded of your willingness to volunteer. You didn’t fight and didn’t need to be tied up. You freely and deliberately surrendered your absolute authority to the authorities in Jerusalem. Thank you for your sacrifice. Lord Jesus, help me to always be willing to lay down my life when necessary. I choose to follow you even when it cost me something. I promise to never abandon you for the comforts of life. In Jesus' name, amen!

Have questions about today’s S.O.A.P. study? Comment below.