Under Gods Command
Annas Questions Jesus / Peter Denies Knowing Jesus
John 18:19-27 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.” When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded. “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest. As Simon Peter stood warning himself, he was asked, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.” One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off,challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the olive grove?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
We can easily blame the Sanhedrin for their injustice in condemning Jesus, but we must remember that Peter and the rest of the disciples also contributed to Jesus pain by deserting and disowning him (Mathew 26:56,75).
While most of us 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 identify as believers in times 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.
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 andbeaten. Naturally Peter was confused and afraid. It is a serious sin to disown Christ, but Jesus forgave Peter (21:15-17). 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.
The fulfilled Jesus words to Peter after he promised he would never disown him (Mark 14:31; John 13:38)
Under Gods command 