The Door of Temptation

Lesson #300

Jesus was arrested and taken into custody, but “Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest,” (John 18:15 ESV). I am pretty sure that Peter fled with the rest, but he was curious enough to see what was going to happen to follow “him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end” (Matthew 26:58 ESV). Following him at a distance shows some fear, but the fact he followed shows a commitment to Jesus, a property of his sheep. However, when tested, Jesus told Peter he would deny him. Peter is about to experience this test.

The other disciple, who followed Jesus, is thought to be John, because he frequently speaks of himself without mentioning his name. Some think John knew the high priest from taking fish to his home and selling them to him. Since he was not known, he was not questioned as Peter was and entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. The courtyard was an impressive structure with apartments, stalls for guards, and the usual trappings of a palace. It is likely that both Caiaphas and Annas lived there. As a result, the sending of Jesus from Annas, bound to Caiaphas involved nothing more than leading him across the courtyard.

As a result of not being known, “. . . Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in” (John 18:16 ESV). Peter stood outside the door, possibly in fear of going in, to see if he could see or hear anything from inside and maybe for an opportunity to enter. Peter’s curiosity had brought him to this door to wait. Knowing what Jesus had foretold about Peter and his denial, it would have been better if Peter had left because here he stands at the door of temptation. Peter waited too long because the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant who kept watch at the door and told her that it was ok to let Peter inside to where Jesus was.

In the next lesson we will find Peter in a very difficult situation.

Prayer

Father, this is the quiet before the storm. Jesus is about to be questioned as is Peter. We will see that Jesus stands his ground, focused on the cross, where he will finish the work assigned to him by his Father. Peter does not have a clear focus yet and does not have the strength to remain steadfast to the Lord. Father, as I study the persecution of my brothers and sisters in other countries, I see those who stand with the Lord and those who deny. Those who stand encourage me and honor the Lord. Those who break and deny need to confess their failure, ask for forgiveness and the strength to press on. I pray for them because, like Peter, God still has a need for them. They need to press on with resolve and a stronger relationship with the Lord. Lord, comfort and encourage them like you did Peter.