Sunday, January 24, 2021
John 18:15-18, 25-27
“Denial”
Service Orientation: Peter’s failure to heed Christ’s warning led to his denial of Jesus. Oh how better off we are when we take seriously the warnings God’s Word provides.
Memory Verse for the Week: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
Background Information:
- Although all the disciples had fled when the soldiers arrived with their weapons and torches, two of them returned and decided to follow Jesus. So these two disciples followed Jesus to Annas’s house where Annas questioned him. This house was more like a compound surrounded by walls with a guarded gate. Only one disciple was identified: Peter; the other was apparently a disciple who was an acquaintance of the high priest. This other disciple only entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest. Some scholars think the other disciple was John because of similar references to himself as “the other disciple” in 20:2 and 21 :20, 24. But many scholars argue that John, the son of Zebedee from Galilee, would not have been known by Annas. Whoever this disciple was, he secured permission for Peter to enter the courtyard. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 354-355)
- Peter is outside warming himself at a charcoal fire (anthrakia, v. 18). A charcoal fire gives off warmth but little light. This dim fire, along with the darkness in the garden, helps account for Peter’s not being recognized immediately by the relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off (v. 26). (Rodney A. Whitacre, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: John, 432)
- The third question came from one of Malchus’s relatives! The Greek construction indicates that he expected an affirmative answer: “I saw you in the garden with Jesus, didn’t I? Yes, I did!” After all, this man had gotten a good look at Peter because he was probably standing with Malchus when Jesus was arrested. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 300)
- Matthew tells us that he “followed afar off” (Matthew 26:58). In following Christ at all on this occasion Peter was clearly acting in the energy of the flesh, for Christ’s will as to His disciples had been plainly expressed in the “let these go their way” (John 18:8). (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 833)
- The failure of Peter is one of the most familiar stories in all of Scripture. The most outspoken disciple, who not long before had sworn his loyalty to the death (13:37), who had in fact put his life on the line with a swing of the sword (18:10), and who had then walked onto dangerous turf (18:15-16) would seem an unlikely candidate for denying his master. Perhaps these very proofs of his boldness, however, drew him into a false confidence which hastened his downfall. (Joseph Dongell, John: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, 215)
The question to be answered is…
How in the world could Peter deny Jesus after experiencing first-hand all that Jesus said and did?
Answer…
Peter failed to heed Jesus’ warning and stepped right into a situation whereby the power of temptation and fear far exceeded his ability to stand.
The word of the day is… heed
What should we heed from the account of Peter’s denial?
- Peter followed when he should have fled.
(Luke 22:40; 54-57; 1 Cor. 15:33; 1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22; Ja. 1:14-15; 4:4; 1 John 2:15-18)
Jesus had predicted that Peter would deny Him three times (Mat. 26:34; John 13:38), but that he would be restored to fellowship and service (Luke 22:32). Peter followed the crowd when he should have been fleeing (John 18:8; and see Mat. 26:30–32). Had he gone his way, he would never have denied the Lord. While we certainly admire his love and courage, we cannot agree with his actions, for he walked right into temptation. This is what Jesus warned him about in the garden (Mat. 26:41). (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 300)
- Peter was curious when he should have been cautious.
(Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 10:5; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 2 Timothy 4:3; 1 John 4:1-4)
Moments of doubt and challenge should be met with honest estimates of our own strength. Instead of seeking Jesus’ help when told he would deny his master, Peter impulsively claimed more courage than he possessed. When we don’t admit our weaknesses and fears, we keep ourselves from recognizing God’s strength. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 356)
No one ought to be confident in his own strength when he undergoes temptation. For whenever we endure evils courageously, our long-suffering comes from Christ. (Augustine)
- Peter feared man when he should have trusted Jesus.
(Ps. 118:8; Pro. 3:5; 14:27; 29:25; Is. 2:22; Mat. 10:28; Gal. 1:10; 2 Tim. 1:7; Heb. 13:6)
God delights in our temptations, and yet hates them; He delights in them when they drive us to prayer; He hates them when they drive us to despair. (Martin Luther’s Table Talk, c. 1546)
The tragic story of Peter’s multiple denials “is a warning to all who would claim self-confidently that they would follow Jesus ‘wherever he leads them.’ Boasting of our abilities is an invitation to failure. That is exactly what Peter discovered” (Gerald L. Borchert, The New American Commentary: John 12—21, 230).
Conclusion… How can this account serve to challenge us as followers of Jesus?
A. Know your blind spots! Don’t taunt temptation!
(Pro. 6:28; Rom. 7:19-21; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 2:11; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 4:27; Ja. 1:13; 4:7)
There is no state so holy, no place so secret that temptations and trials will not come. (Thomas A’ Kempis, Imitation of Christ, c. 1418–1427)
As you watch Peter, you see him gradually moving into the place of temptation and sin, and his actions parallel the description in Psalm 1:1. First, Peter walked “in the counsel of the ungodly” when he followed Jesus and went into the high priest’s courtyard. Peter should have followed the counsel of Jesus and gotten out of there in a hurry! Then, Peter stood with the enemy by the fire (John 18:16, 18), and before long, he sat with the enemy (Luke 22:55). It was now too late, and within a short time, he would deny his Lord three times. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 300)
B. Prepare now for pressure later.
(Mat. 26:41; Luke 12:35-38; Gal. 6:1; Eph. 6:11; Jam. 1:12-16; 5:16; 1 Pet. 5:8; 2 Pet. 3:17)
Tomorrow’s character is made out of today’s thoughts. Temptation may come suddenly, but sin doesn’t. (Randy Alcorn, The Purity Principle, 41)
Do not be surprised that the enemy’s dart finds you vulnerable if you have not taken time to buckle on your armor. (J.C. Macaulay, Expository Commentary on John, 229)
C. Save great heartache by simple obedience.
(Gen. 4:7; Deut. 28:1; Rom. 6:12-14; 12:2; Gal. 5:16-17; 1 Peter 1:15; 1 John 2:15-17)
The awful, never-ending process of combating temptation is God’s means of maturing us and conforming us to the image of Christ. (Charles Stanley, Winning the War Within, 18)
Worship Point…
Worship happens when our love for Jesus outweighs our fear of man in such a way that compels us to profess our faith in him.
(Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; Rom. 1:16; 10:9 Heb. 10:23; 11:6; 1 Pet 1:3-9; 1 John 4:15)
While most people are not like the religious leaders, we are all like the disciples, for all of us have been guilty of denying that Christ is Lord in vital areas of our lives or of keeping secret our identity as believers in times of pressure. Don’t excuse yourself by pointing at others whose sins seem worse than yours. Instead, come to Jesus for forgiveness and healing. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 357)
Fear arises when we imagine that everything depends on us. (Elisabeth Elliot, The Music of His Promises, 63)
Gospel Application…
Peter denied Jesus, yet Jesus made him a pillar of his church. And Jesus continues to welcome anyone to follow him, despite their missteps or messes.
(Mat. 16:18; John 1:42; Ecc. 3:11; Rom. 6:23; 2 Tim. 4:18; Heb. 2:18, 4:15; 1 John 1:9)
The Jesus who restored Peter after his denial, and corrected his course more than once after that (see Acts 10, Gal. 2: 14), is our Saviour today and he has not changed. God makes not only the wrath of man to turn to his praise but the misadventures of Christians too. (J. I. Packer, Knowing God, 244)
Eyes that look are common; eyes that see are rare. The Pharisees looked at Peter and saw only an unschooled fisherman—not worth a second look. Jesus saw Peter as a prophet and preacher, saint and leader who helped turn the world upside down. Vision includes optimism and hope. The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. (J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership, 56)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- What temptations do you find that you are most susceptible to? What are some of your blind spots? How can you better learn what those are?
- What are some ways you should prepare now for life’s pressures later?
- What situations might cause you to deny knowing Jesus?
- What warnings in God’s Word are ones you should probably pay extra attention to?
- What would be your response to: Intimidation from being alone and surrounded by hostile unbelievers? Possible rebukes, punishment, or death for standing up for Christ? Embarrassing circumstances when exposed as one who loves and follows Jesus? Entanglements from habits or relationships that tie you too closely to the enemies of Christ?
Quotes to note…
The crowing of the cock was the announcement of the dawning of a new day! “Weeping may endure for a right, but joy cometh in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). It is worthwhile to contrast Peter and Judas. Peter wept over his sins and repented, while Judas admitted his sins but never really repented. Judas experienced remorse, not repentance. When Judas went out from the Upper Room, “it was night”, but when Peter went out to weep bitterly, there was the dawning of a new day. It is the contrast between godly sorrow that leads to true repentance, and the sorrow of the world (regret and remorse) that leads to death (2 Cor. 7:9–10). (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 301)
Anyone can see that the unhappy Peter was under the influence of very mixed feelings—love made him ashamed to run away and hide himself; cowardice made him ashamed to show his colors, and stick by his Lord’s side. Hence he chose a middle course, the worst, as it happened, that he could have followed” (Bishop Ryle). (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 833)
Though in the end he would not deny truth about Jesus, he here denied the truth about his relationship with Jesus. From this we learn that genuine faith in Jesus, while built upon truth, stands complete only in a personal bond of trust in and loyalty to Jesus. In denying that bond, Peter denied his very source of life and hope. (Joseph Dongell, John: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, 217)
Most people do not believe in situation ethics, but we tend to live as if we do. The incidental dishonesties that crowd our lives cannot be dismissed with the “everyone does it” excuse. If truth is compromised in small matters, it isn’t even considered when the stakes are high! (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 355)
Nothing lowers Christian morale so much as keeping company with the world on its level. That is what Peter did. He warmed himself at the fire of Christ’s enemies, partaking of their comfort and cheer. On that basis he had nothing for them. He could only compromise his position and hope that he would not be challenged. (J.C. Macaulay, Expository Commentary on John, 231)
This fall of Peter is doubtless intended to be a lesson to the whole Church of Christ. It is recorded for our learning, that we be kept from like sorrowful overthrow. It is a beacon mercifully set up in Scripture, to prevent others making shipwreck. It shows us the danger of pride and self-confidence. If Peter had not been so sure that although all denied Christ, he never would, he would probably never have fallen. It shows us the danger of laziness. If Peter had watched and prayed, when our Lord advised him to do so, he would have found grace to help him in the time of need. It shows us, not least, the painful influence of the fear of man. Few are aware, perhaps, how much more they fear the face of man whom they can see, than the eye of God whom they cannot see. These things are written for our admonition. Let us remember Peter and be wise. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 183)
The Christian who follows Christ “afar off” will soon be chilled and grow cold spiritually; then will recourse be had to fleshly stimulants for warmth and comfort. And the enemies of Christ—the world, the flesh, and the Devil—will provide their “fire”—their places and means of cheer! (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 835)
15-16 The imperfect tense of the verb “to follow” (ekolouthei) is descriptive. It implies that Peter and an unnamed disciple had traced Jesus and his captors back from Gethsemane over the Kidron Valley to the residence of the high priest in Jerusalem. The identity of the other disciple is not disclosed, nor does the account specify that it was “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (cf. 13:23; 19:26; 20:2-3; 21:20, 24). The association of the two, however, would favor that view since they appear together both at the Last Supper (13:23-24) and on the morning of the Resurrection (20:2-3). This anonymous disciple was known to the household of the high priest and readily obtained access for himself and Peter. The basis for this acquaintance is not explained. On the assumption that this disciple was John, it may be that the family had connections with the priesthood, either by business relationships or possibly by marital ties. Salome, the mother of John, was a sister of Mary, Jesus’ mother (cf. John 19:25 with Mark 15:40), and would have been equally related to Elizabeth, whose husband, Zechariah, was a priest (Luke 1:36). The evidence is tenuous, but the author does exhibit a considerable knowledge of Jerusalem and the events that took place there. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 172)
As the questioning proceeded from suspicion to reasonable certainty, Peter became more nervous. With increasing vehemence he disavowed any connection with Jesus, and on the third occasion the rooster crowed. The shrill sound must have recalled Jesus’ words spoken a few hours before: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times” Oohn 13:38). The author adds no further comment at this point, but the fact that he recorded the denial implies that it was a turning point in Peter’s experience. It was a revelation of his own weakness that he could not escape. It no doubt prompted self-examination, and Peter’s response was exactly the opposite of that of Judas. Judas in his failure fell into despair; Peter returned to Christ. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 173)
Peter remained by the fire, so it is no wonder that he was approached again. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 300)
The crowing of the cock was assurance to Peter that Jesus was totally in control of the situation, even though He was bound and being harassed by the authorities. By controlling one bird, Jesus affirmed His sovereignty. According to Genesis 1:26, God gave man authority over the fish, the fowl, and the animals. Peter had seen Jesus exercise authority over the fish (Matt. 17:24–27; Luke 5:1–11) and the animals (Matt. 21:1–11), but now he recognized His authority over the birds. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 301)
There has been much discussion and speculation as to who this “other disciple” was. A few of the old commentators and most of the modern believe that he was the writer of this Gospel; but whoever he may have been, it is almost certain that he was not John. In the first place, John was a poor fisherman of Galilee—far removed from Jerusalem—therefore it is most unlikely that he was on sufficiently intimate terms with the high priest as to enter his house, and have authority over the door-keeper so as to order her to admit Peter. In the second place, John, being a Galilean, would have been recognized and challenged as was Peter (Matthew 26:69, 73). In the third place, whenever John refers to himself in this Gospel it is always as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20). Finally, Acts 4:13 makes it very plain that the high priest was not personally acquainted with either Peter or John! Who, then, was this “other disciple”? The answer is, We do not know. It may have been Nicodemus or Joseph of Arimathaea, but we cannot be sure. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 833)
The Lord had plainly warned him to “watch and pray lest he enter into temptation.” But Peter disregards His admonition, and knocks for admission —why else should the other disciple have gone out? There is a practical lesson for us right here: God in His mercy put an impediment in Peter’s way, stopping him from going on to that which should be the occasion of his sin; so does He, ofttimes, with us. Therefore, when we find God, in His providence, placing some barrier in our path, it behooves us to pause, and examine well our grounds for going further along the same path we are in. If our way is warranted by the Word and our conscience is clear as to a certain line of duty, then obstacles are to be regarded only as testings of faith and patience; but otherwise they are warnings from God. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 833-834)
Peter had disregarded the warning of God—the shut door; he had persisted in having his own way—knocking for entrance; now God removes His providential barrier. How solemnly this speaks to us; may the Lord grant to each the hearing ear. When we disregard both the Word and warning providence of God, we must not be surprised if He then sets a snare for us. When we insist on having our own way, we must be prepared if God gives us up to our own heart’s lust (Ps. 81:12). (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 834)
How true it is that “The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways” (Prov. 14:14)! Some have pointed out that the Holy Spirit has here told us “it was cold” in order to impress us the more with the bloody sweat of Christ only a short while before! (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 835)
The “therefore” informs us why it was that these men should challenge Peter. He was standing “with them” (John 18:18), as one of them, and no doubt it was the flames from their “fire” which lit up his face and caused them to recognize him. He was warming himself—more concerned about his body than his soul. He was listening to their blasphemous talk about his Master, too timid to speak up and witness for Him. And it is written “Be not deceived, evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:33). So it proved here, for when these men asked the apostle if he were one of Christ’s disciples, he denied it. This gives additional force to the “therefore”: Peter’s being in the company of these enemies of the Lord was the occasion of his being challenged, and that became the occasion of his greater sinning! (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 839)
The servant at the door, a girl, asks Peter, who a few minutes before has been swinging a sword, if he is not one of the Man’s disciples also. She phrases her question in such a way that a negative answer will be quite natural (v. 17). The evil one will tempt us through innocent-appearing means, very often unexpectedly, making it easy to yield. (Roger L. Fredrikson, The Communicator’s Commentary: John, 264)
He who a few hours earlier had said he would die for Jesus (13:37) now denies any association with him purely out of fear of what people would think. (Rodney A. Whitacre, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: John, 431)
In the half-light, separated from Jesus, Peter encounters temptation for which he does not have the resources to resist. The only hope for any of us in the time of temptation is to remain close to Jesus. (Rodney A. Whitacre, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: John, 432)
Why is it that Simon Peter, who did a deed as dastardly as Judas, could make his way back to the Lord? Because he was a child of God, and it broke his heart to know what he had done. A child of God may get far from God, but God is never far from him. (J. Vernon McGee, Thru The Bible Commentary Series, John, 306)
In spite of his brave talk, he was swept off his feet—as we shall be, unless we have learned to avail ourselves of that power which is made perfect only in weakness. Peter’s fall was due to his self-confidence and lack of prayer. Those who are weak should beware of exposing themselves in places and company where they are liable to fail. Do not warm yourself at the world’s fires. F. B. Meyer
Imagine standing outside while Jesus, your Lord and Master, is questioned. Imagine watching this man, whom you have come to believe is the long-awaited Messiah, being abused and beaten. Naturally Peter was confused and afraid. It is a serious sin to disown Christ, but Jesus forgave Peter (21 : 15-19). No sin is too great for Jesus to forgive if you are truly repentant. He will forgive even your worst sin if you turn from it and ask his pardon. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 358)