PETER’S FIRST DENIAL

 18:15-18   Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. That other disciple was well known to the High Priest, so he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the High Priest’s house, while Peter stayed outside by the gate. ‘Then the other disciple went back out, spoke to the girl at the gate, and brought Peter inside. The girl at the gate said to Peter, “Aren’t you also one of the disciples of that man.”  “No, I am not,” Answered Peter.

It was cold, so the servants and guards had built a charcoal fire and were standing round it, warming themselves. So Peter went over and stood with them, warming himself.

Heavenly Father, transform my life by your Holy Spirit.  I know if I am in Peter's place I will deny you. How often have I denied you because I am afraid of being called names, I am afraid of loosing friends, I am afraid of being alone, I am afraid of loosing my comforts, I am afraid so many things that threaten my existence. My lack of faith and my fears give way to my denying knowing you Lord Jesus Christ my Master. Give me the courage to be faithful to you Lord.

I WILL DRINK THE CUP OF SUFFERING DESTINED BY MY FATHER

THE ARREST OF JESUS  JOHN 18:1-14 

After Jesus had said this prayer, he left with his disciples and went across the brook called Kidron. There was a garden in that place, and Jesus  his disciple went in. Judas, the traitor, knew where it was, because many times Jesus had met there with his disciples. So Judas went to the garden, taking with him a group of Roman soldiers, and some temple guards sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees; they were armed and carried lanterns and torches.  Jesus knew everything that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward and asked them. “Who is it you are looking for?”

 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “I am he,” he said.

Judas, the traitor, was standing there with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they moved back and fell to the ground. Again Jesus asked them, “Who is it you are looking for?” “Jesus of Nazareth they said.”  “I have already told you that I am he,” Jesus said “If, then, you are looking for me, let these others go.” (He said this so that what he had said might come true: “Father, I have not lost even one of those you gave me.”)

Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it struck the High Priest’s slave cutting off his right ear. The name of the slave was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back in its place! Do you think that I will not drink the cup of suffering which my Father has given me?’

Then the Roman soldiers with their commanding officer and the Jewish guards arrested Jesus, bound him, and took him first to Annas. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was High Priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jewish authorities that it was better that one man should die for all the people.

As I re-type the Gospel of John on Christ arrest, it came to my mind that Peter must have denied Christ because in the garden he tried to save his Master, but he was discouraged by Christ. In His Master’s presence he was not afraid, but being alone, and no one to save him, he denied knowing Christ having followed Him all the way.

Christ saw everything. He knew everything. He saw Peter’s heart and intention. Peter demonstrated his word that he would lay down his life for His Master when he tried preventing them from arresting Jesus. Yet His Master would not permit him to use his sword to fight the soldiers. Jesus with Annas, and Peter all alone. He was afraid being alone and Christ wasn't near to save him, like when he walked on the water at his request for the Lord to command him to come to him.  At the garden the Lord commanded him to put back his sword in its place.  Now all alone he lost courage.  (The Arrest of Christ: Matt. 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-50, Luke 22:47-53). Lord teach me, help me see more clearly the great hope to which you call me. Give me the grace and courage in my desire to follow you.