JOHN 18:15-18, 25-27 OUR CHOICE

15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in.

17 “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” the girl at the door asked Peter.

He replied, “I am not.”

18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

25 As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?”

He denied it, saying, “I am not.”

26 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?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

The authorities seem to be consumed with Jesus and have little interest in his disciples, other than the teaching they received and how that might indict Jesus. John is clearly in the room where the interrogation is taking place and no one is paying him any attention. When Peter is questioned by the girl at the door, his entre has already been cleared through John, so it is not as accusatory as we are used to thinking. Other translations include the phrase, “you also,” indicating that she knew John was Jesus’ disciple. The others in the courtyard appear to be there because they were associated with the officials who were meeting inside; therefore, it would be natural to question why this outsider was present on a cold and dark night. Who else could Peter possibly be than one who had an interest in Jesus?

It appears that Peter was the only one who was really focused on his vulnerability as Jesus’ disciple. Instead of going into the revealing presence of the Light with John, Peter remains in the dark, half-light of the courtyard outside. In the midst of his Master’s trial Peter chooses to stand with the crowd instead of Jesus.

The false security of the crowd is a trap rather than a refuge. It is impossible to hide in the crowd without ultimately espousing the values of the group. The same pressure that causes you to hide in the crowd forces you to “agree” with them when you are challenged. This is the very real danger of being a “stealth” Christian. We rationalize that we have a better witness for Jesus if we are not too obvious and just one of the crowd. The problem is that when we make the choice of Peter we allow the presence of the crowd to eclipse our view of Jesus and are left to seek “warmth” elsewhere.

Jesus, you are the true Light. I bind myself this day to you and open myself to the empowering work of the Holy Spirit so that I will be constantly convicted of my need to live my life intentionally in your presence. Save me from the siren call of the crowd. Help me to be like John and walk boldly in your presence wherever you lead me. Amen.