Jesus, the God-man: Gospel of John
“Contrasts in Courage”
John 18:12-27
Introduction: Most of us have probably seen movies or documentaries about people of courage or read about such individuals. We enjoy these profiles in courage because they give us something to which we can aspire. We cheer for them and then imagine ourselves as being those heroes.
Unfortunately there are also stories of cowards and acts that we would not characterize as brave. We tend to shun those or point to them and say this is not something to emulate or follow.
Today we will meet three individuals that fall into either of these two categories. As we look at these men we will learn how we too can show courage in the face of difficulties. We will find that we can learn from the courageous and the coward as we study these “contrasts in courage”.
1. Boldly identify yourself with Jesus. (vv. 12-17)
Our character in this section is an unnamed disciple.
The troops and officers arrest Jesus and bind Him so He will not escape even though He gave Himself up willingly and in spite of the fact that He performed two miracles.
v. 13 – They led Him away to Annas fulfilling prophecy.
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, Isaiah 53:7b
The path they would take to Annas would have taken them through the sheep gate of the city. This is the entrance taken by those that would lead the Passover lambs in for slaughter.
Caiphas – chosen by Rome to serve one year.
Annas – His father-in-law chosen by Jews for life.
“Power behind the throne”.
v. 14 – John reminds us that Caiphas had already prophetically said in John 11:50 that Jesus should die for the sins of all. This also tells us that this would be an unjust trial because he has already said that Jesus must die.
v. 15 – Peter followed at a distance along with “another disciple”. He is unknown. Some think it may have been John, but John refers to himself as “the disciple Jesus loves” and as a fisherman it is unlikely he would know the high priest. In Acts 4:13 the high priest doesn’t know him. It may have been Nicodemus or Joseph of Arimathea, unlikely one of the eleven. Since the Bible is silent we will be too.
“known to the high priest” – Does not stop Him from following Jesus closely. Can the same be said of you?
“went with Jesus” – Still not deterred from following.
v. 16 – “But Peter” –Distant, but not close enough to receive support from the other disciple. He is also being disobedient. Jesus has already secured His protection by telling soldiers to let disciples go and they did.
Are you obedient to the words of Jesus?
The other disciple asks servant girl to let Peter in. She does.
v. 17 – She asks in a way expecting a no answer. 2 reasons not to fear her: 1) servant 2) girl. These were the bottom 2 rungs on the social ladder. Her question suggests she knows the other is Jesus’ disciple since she says “also”.
“No, I’m not.” He will discover that denial gets easier each time you do it. So don’t start!
He believed like the little boy who said about a lie, "A lie is an abomination to the Lord, but a very present help in time of trouble!"
–Ray Stedman (1917-1992), former pastor, Peninsula Bible Church, Palo Alto, CA
Disobedience, denial, and drifting move you further away from God.
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. Hebrews 2:1
It is easier to float away rather than stand. Instead…
2. Openly stand for the Truth. (vv. 18-24)
Our next character is Jesus.
Annas asks Jesus about His disciples and doctrine. He answers regarding doctrine but not disciples. He continues to protect them even though one of the 11 has followed Him!
Annas is judging the One that will one day judge him!
This is also highly illegal! Like our judicial system, a man was innocent until proven guilty and he was not allowed to be asked self-incriminating questions. Annas does anyway.
v. 20 – Jesus is bold in His response by pointing out what Annas was doing violated the law. He tells him that he should bring in witnesses rather than question Him.
“I taught in public places where the Jews meet. I had no secret teachings.”
BEWARE of people that try and tell you of secret doctrines or hidden codes in Scripture! Cults do this. You stay faithful to the clear teachings of Scripture.
Jesus taught the truth for all to hear not the super-spiritual or the elite religious leaders. He taught them out in the open in the synagogues, temple, Sermon on the Mount or seaside.
Yes, He taught His disciples in private but it was always to amplify, expand on or to explain those things that were taught in public for all to hear.
v. 21 – “Ask those people that were there. Call them in to testify. Some of the Pharisees or your attack dogs that liked to follow me around were there to hear it. Ask them.”
v. 22 – WHACK! He gets slapped in the mouth for His answer either with the palm of the hand or with a rod.
The slap (which was illegal as well) was not for the content of what He said since it was true but because they did not like His tone. This fulfilled Scripture.
They will strike the judge of Israel with a rod on the cheek.
Micah 5:1c
“Don’t talk back or sass the high priest!” Jesus demonstrates great patience and love since the man did not end up dead.
The same is true today. If you stand on the truth of God’s Word and you are faithful to Jesus you too make get a slap.
v. 23 – Jesus appeals to the law again pointing out the illegality of being slapped.
He does not turn the other cheek, a Scripture sometimes misinterpreted to mean you should let people beat you up. It means to be slow to become angry and not to retaliate.
“If I have lied or done something evil then speak up and confront Me with it otherwise why do you illegally strike Me for speaking the truth?”
The world may not like it when you speak the truth either but do not let that discourage you from speaking up or standing for the Truth! Be bold like Jesus!
v. 24 – With that Jesus is sent to the other high priest!
3. Find a solid support system. (vv. 25-27)
Camera shifts outside to our final character – Peter.
Peter is standing with those that arrested Jesus and is warming himself by a charcoal fire they had built.
Don’t get too cozy with the world and the blasphemers of Jesus. They are not your friends!
Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
1 Corinthians 15:33
This demonstrates the danger of pride and self-confidence. Peter was probably thinking, “I cut off that guy’s ear in the garden. I told Jesus I would watch out for Him. I’m strong!”
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
1 Corinthians 10:12
You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 2 Peter 3:17
There is a danger of drifting away from God and closer to the world. Great example is Lot in Genesis 13 &14.
Genesis 13:10 – Lot looked toward Sodom.
Genesis 13:11-12 – Lot lived near Sodom.
Genesis 14:12 – Lot lives in Sodom.
Peter is thinking only of his physical comfort giving no thought to the spiritual or to temptation. Compare this to Judas in v. 5. Peter is not on their side but he is with them.
You may say, “I have a right to be comfortable!” No, you are the servant of Jesus and as such you have no rights you simply obey the Master that had no place to rest!
v. 25 – Standing by the fire the same question arises in the same way expecting a negative response and he responds according to Matthew: “No, I do not know the man!” Man?
v. 26 – A relative of Malchus the Earless Wonder steps up. “HEY! I know you. You were in the garden weren’t you?”
This time the question is asked expecting a positive response and Peter according to the other gospels begins to answer like a fisherman not a follower by cursing and saying that he does not know Him!
If you place yourself in the path of temptation do not be surprised when you fall! Flee temptation. Don’t play with it!
Where is the other disciple? Why’s Peter not close to him?
Each of us needs to find a place of support and strength. I’m NOT saying to ignore lost people, but they must not be your best friends and sole support. It’s why we need the church.
We need each other to be bold and live for Jesus and to face what the world throws at us.
Courage makes a good theory, but sometimes practicing it takes help and encouragement from others. --Dave Branon, A Story is Told
This is pictured in Psalm 1.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2
v. 27 – Peter denies the third time and the rooster crows fulfilling what Jesus said in John 13:38. He then runs away weeping after Jesus looks at him.
It is not Peter's faith that fails, but his courage. After his failure he weeps bitterly, because he really does love his Lord. --David Guzik, Pastor, Calvary Chapel, Santa Barbara, CA
Conclusion: You may find yourself in the same place. Your faith is strong, but your courage is weak. If you find yourself showing more cowardice than courage the answer is found in relationship - first, with Jesus and second with His church. Look to the example of the other disciple, of Jesus, and even to Peter’s negative one to be strengthened in your courage. Which is why God gave us these “contrasts in courage”.
