John 19:12-15

12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” 13 So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

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12 Mula noo'y sinikap ni Pilato na siya'y pakawalan. Ngunit ang mga Judio ay nagsisigawang, “Kung pakakawalan mo ang taong ito ay hindi ka kaibigan ni Cesar. Ang bawat nag-aangkin na siya'y hari ay nagsasalita ng laban kay Cesar.” 13 Nang marinig ni Pilato ang mga salitang ito ay inilabas niya si Jesus, at siya'y naupo sa hukuman sa dakong tinatawag na Plataporma (sa Hebreo ay Gabbatha). 14 Noon ay Paghahanda ng Paskuwa, at noo'y mag-iikaanim na oras. Sinabi niya sa mga Judio, “Narito ang inyong Hari!” 15 Sila'y nagsigawan, “Ilayo siya, ilayo siya, ipako siya sa krus!” Sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, “Ipapako ko ba sa krus ang inyong Hari?” Sumagot ang mga punong pari, “Wala kaming hari liban kay Cesar.” 16 At ibinigay ni Pilato si Jesus sa kanila upang maipako sa krus.

A BLACKMAIL

Apparently, Pilate clearly has no interest in Jewish religious squabbles. He knew Jesus wasn’t a political threat. He scourged Jesus as an attempt to negotiate with the crowd for His release, only to see the angry crowd chose a known murderer (John 18:39–40).

But, the crowd had orchestrated a political trap for Pilate in their demand for Jesus to die. They knew his position was at stake. Pilate was blackmailed. This same mob cynically claimed they were motivated by loyalty to the Roman Empire (John 19:15). Pilate will be forced to choose between the devil and deep blue sea. Either, he can refuse to bow to the mob, release an innocent man, and risk a riot. Or, he can give in to the Jews, execute an innocent man, and maintain his position or power.

Sadly, Pilate gave in. He sacrificed truth with power.

It is always the right time to do the right thing. Should we are like Pilate who are obssessed with power, to do the right thing would be extremely hard. Indecisiveness is the result, is it not? Doing the right thing, in many cases, is humbling. It’s not our rights and reputation we are primarily concern about. It’s Christ, isn’t it? As John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”[John 3:30]

While Pilate was conflicting and confused, Jesus was calm and composed. At the garden, He has resolved that there was one thing to do regardless of the pain. He said, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”[Matt 26:39]

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John 19:7-11

7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

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7 Sumagot sa kanya ang mga Judio, “Kami'y mayroong isang kautusan, at ayon sa kautusang iyon ay dapat siyang mamatay, sapagkat inaangkin niya na siya ay Anak ng Diyos.” 8 Nang marinig ni Pilato ang salitang ito ay lalo siyang natakot. 9 Siya'y muling pumasok sa palasyo ng gobernador, at sinabi kay Jesus, “Taga-saan ka?” Ngunit hindi siya sinagot ni Jesus. 10 Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ni Pilato, “Ayaw mong makipag-usap sa akin? Hindi mo ba alam na ako'y may kapangyarihang ikaw ay pakawalan at may kapangyarihang ikaw ay ipako sa krus?” 11 Sumagot si Jesus sa kanya, “Hindi ka magkakaroon ng anumang kapangyarihan laban sa akin malibang ito'y ibinigay sa iyo mula sa itaas. Kaya't ang nagdala sa akin sa iyo ay may mas malaking kasalanan.”

A DELUSION

Israel's political and religious leaders, commonly known as ‘the Jews’ have conspired to bring Jesus to this point. They did explain to Pilate that Jesus committed an act of blasphemy. Jesus’ claims of being the “Son of God” was so vile and justifiable for them to brutally execute Him. However, they didn’t realize that this raised further doubts in Pilate's mind (John 19:8). Even, his wife was also worried about the prospect of harming Jesus (Mat 27:19).

Hearing about Jesus’ claim as Son of God had even made Pilate afraid. Why? The Roman mythology included belief in a host of demigods. These were men with one divine parent. Hence, to abuse a demigod could bring the wrath of that god. Apparently, this was the reason why he asked Jesus, “Where you from?”

Jesus was silent. In this kangaroo court, Jesus simply left these questions unanswered (Mat 26:62–63). He only replies should it is essential (Mat 26:63–66). And, this is not one of those times. He knew Pilate had no interest in deep thinking over these issues (John 18:38). Having been unfamiliar with Jewish Scriptures or prophecies (John 18:35), there was no reason for Jesus to debate those nuances when He already knows how this will turn out (Mat 20:19).

Frustrated about His silence, Pilate resorted to intimidation, saying, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” He really thought he calls the shots. As the Jews, Pilate was delusioned by his power. He believed he could either choose to have Jesus executed or released. But, the ultimate cause of these events is not Pilate, or Pilate's power. It's God's will (Mat 26:53–54) and it's being driven by His permissive will to the manipulations of other people (Mat 26:14–16).

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John 19:4-6 ESV

4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.”

4 Si Pilato ay muling lumabas at sa kanila'y sinabi, “Tingnan ninyo, ilalabas ko siya sa inyo upang inyong malaman na wala akong nakitang anumang kasalanan sa kanya.” 5 Lumabas nga si Jesus, na may koronang tinik at balabal na kulay-ube. Sinabi ni Pilato sa kanila, “Narito ang tao!” 6 Nang siya ay makita ng mga punong pari at ng mga punong-kawal, sila'y nagsigawan, “Ipako siya sa krus, ipako siya sa krus!” Sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, “Kunin ninyo siya, at ipako ninyo siya sa krus, sapagkat ako'y walang nakitang kasalanan sa kanya.”

I FIND NO GUILT IN HIM

Pilate is looking for a middle ground. He was not fooled too easily, was he? He had discovered enough to ascertain that Jesus' claim was not an immediate threat to Rome. He also smelled the Jewish religious leaders’ hatred so that they are pursuing a personal vendetta (Mat 27:18). In this background, how could he pacify an agitated crowd? (Mat 27:20–23). Notedly, Pilate's governorship was at stake. He was criticized for his brutal tactics, and had deliberately antagonized the Jews. At this point, he was likely under a strict warning. A major unrest would result in losing his position definitely.

Thus he flogged Jesus to appease the crowd but they wont settle for anything aside from Jesus’ crucifixion. Having Jesus flogged and humiliated, awful as it was, this was Pilate's attempt to spare Jesus' life. Now, he prepares to present a maimed, mocked, and apparently defeated Jesus to the crowd. In our modern term, he might had said, "Take a look, is this not enough to be done to an innocent man?"

Certainly, he found no guilt in Jesus so that He was worthy of death. Yet, he brought back Jesus to the angry crowd in order for them to decide His fate. In other words, Pilate gave in to the crowd to avoid a possible commotion. His decision is understandable for he was after of his position and power. It was politically correct for him but morally questionable.

Definitely, the fear of man leads to snare. In contrast, Jesus, having the fear of God had nothing else to fear. There was peace in His heart. Today, it’s either we are crowd pleaser like Pilate or an obedient son to our Father like Jesus.

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John 19:1-3 ESV

Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. 3 They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands.

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Pagkatapos ay kinuha ni Pilato si Jesus at siya'y hinagupit. 2 Ang mga kawal ay gumawa ng isang koronang tinik, ipinatong sa kanyang ulo, at siya'y sinuotan ng isang balabal na kulay-ube. 3 Sila'y lumapit sa kanya, na nagsasabi, “Mabuhay ang Hari ng mga Judio!” At siya'y kanilang pinagsusuntok.

THE CROWN OF THORNS

On the morning of Jesus’ crucifixion, the Roman soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and placed it on Jesus’ head, openly mocking and ridiculing Jesus as the “King of the Jews” It is arguably one of the most iconic images of Christ’s suffering.

What is its significance?

More than the piercing on Jesus’ bare head, Jesus endured, the crown signifies Christ’s ultimate humility in trading His heavenly crown for a lowly crown of suffering and shame. It was fashioned by the Roman soldiers as a mock coronation for a lowly political prisoner. However, the rejection of Jesus as king was prophesied. As Isaiah writes, “But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; the punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isa 53:5)

For us, Jesus indeed is the king. One day, the entire universe will bow to Jesus as the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Rev 19:16). What the Roman soldiers meant as a mockery, has in fact has projected Christ’s two roles; firstly, as a suffering servant (see Isa 53), and secondly, as ultimately the conquering Messiah-King (see Rev 19).

Moreover, Jesus was willing to endure the pain, insults, and shame, all on our account. The crown of thorns, and its corresponding suffering are things of the past already. Today, Jesus has now received the crown of which He is worthy. “But we see Him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone” (Heb 2:9]

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After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

- John 18:38-40 ESV

38 Sinabi sa kanya ni Pilato, “Ano ang katotohanan?” At nang masabi niya ito ay lumabas siyang muli sa mga Judio at sa kanila'y sinabi, “Wala akong makitang anumang kasalanan sa kanya. 39 Ngunit kayo'y may kaugalian na maaari kong pakawalan ang isang tao para sa inyo sa Paskuwa. Gusto ba ninyong pakawalan ko para sa inyo ang Hari ng mga Judio?” 40 Sila'y sumigaw na muli, “Hindi ang taong ito, kundi si Barabas.” Si Barabas ay isang tulisan.

BARRABAS BECAME FREE

Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor had found Jesus innocent of anything worthy of death (Luke 23:15). He knew that Jesus was being railroaded. It was “out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him” (Mark 15:10) Thus, he looked for a way to release Jesus and pacify them.

Pilate, then, offered the fenzy mob a choice, that is, either to release of Jesus or Barabbas. Barrabas was a notorious criminal who had been imprisoned “for an insurrection in the city, and for murder” (Luke 23:19). The release of a Jewish prisoner was customary among the Jews at the onset of the feast of Passover (Mark 15:6)

The crowd chose Barabbas overwhelmingly.

The disparity of the choice between Jesus and Barrabas could not have been more clear-cut. A high-profile rebel and killer who was unquestionably guilty or a teacher and miracle-worker who like a lamb has no guile. Pilate was stunned that the crowd insisted on Barrabas be released, not Jesus. He appealed to the frenzy crowd three times to choose sensibly but of no avail.

Barrabas became free. What happened to Barrabas after his release, nobody knows for certain. Interestingly, some manuscripts of Matthew 27:16–17, Barabbas is referred to as “Jesus Barabbas” (meaning “Jesus, son of Abba [Father]” This is not conclusive though.

The story of Barabbas and his release from condemnation is a fitting parallel to the story of every believer. Everyone of us stands guilty before God and is deserving of death (Rom 3:23; 6:23a). But in an inexplanable turn of events, Jesus was chosen to die in our stead. He, the Innocent One, bore the crucifixion we rightly deserved. We, like Barabbas, were released free with no condemnation (Rom 8:1). And Jesus “suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (1 Pet 3:18).

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John 18:33-38 ESV

33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

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33 Si Pilato ay muling pumasok sa palasyo ng gobernador, at tinawag si Jesus, at sinabi sa kanya, “Ikaw ba ang Hari ng mga Judio?” 34 Sumagot si Jesus, “Sinasabi mo ba ito mula sa iyong sarili, o may ibang nagsabi sa iyo tungkol sa akin?” 35 Si Pilato ay sumagot, “Ako ba'y Judio? Ang iyong sariling bansa at ang mga punong pari ang nagdala sa iyo sa akin. Ano bang ginawa mo?” 36 Sumagot si Jesus, “Ang kaharian ko ay hindi mula sa sanlibutang ito. Kung ang kaharian ko ay mula sa sanlibutang ito, ang aking mga tauhan ay makikipaglaban sana upang ako'y huwag maibigay sa mga Judio; ngunit ang aking kaharian ay hindi mula rito.” 37 Sinabi sa kanya ni Pilato, “Kung gayon, ikaw ay hari?” Sumagot si Jesus, “Ikaw ang nagsasabing ako'y hari. Ako'y ipinanganak dahil dito, at dahil dito ay pumarito ako sa sanlibutan, upang magpatotoo sa katotohanan. Ang bawat isang panig sa katotohanan ay nakikinig sa aking tinig.” 38 Sinabi sa kanya ni Pilato, “Ano ang katotohanan?”

YOU SAY THAT I AM A KING

Pilate summoned Jesus to be brought inside his palace for interrogation. Pilate already knows something about Jesus, thanks to His extremely public reception a few days earlier[see John 12:12-19] Unless there was clear evidence, he won’t allow the scribes' and Pharisees' dirty work for them. He knew for certain that this was a personal vendetta against Jesus (see Mat 27:18; Mark 15:10).

As Jesus referred about a "kingdom" (see John 18:36), Pilate asked Him a clarifying question, “Are you the King of the Jews?” In the real sense, Pilate was not interested in discussing Jesus as the "king" of the Jews—as a result of his own concerns. He was responding to what others are claiming about Jesus. In response, Jesus had proven his motive of asking, by answering with a question. That is, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?”

Pilate was given a chance to know Jesus as the king, Should his inquiry was sincere, he must have discovered Jesus’ claim. Jesus presented to him that He is a king, not in a political realm but in the spiritual. Jesus was born for this purpose. However, he was a political figure whose mind and heart are gripped with the pursue of power and influence.

He looked down at Jesus. With a bit of sarcasm, he asked, “So you are a king?”, which Jesus qualified. He answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Yet, his pride prevailed not to believe Jesus. He asked, “What is truth?” For him, truth is relative, and in this case, it’s in his power and disposition.

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John 18:28-32 ESV

28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” 32 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

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28 Pagkatapos ay dinala nila si Jesus mula kay Caifas hanggang sa palasyo ng gobernador. Noon ay maaga pa at sila'y hindi pumasok sa punong-himpilan, upang hindi marumihan, at upang sila'y makakain ng kordero ng paskuwa. 29 Kaya't lumabas si Pilato at sinabi sa kanila, “Anong paratang ang dala ninyo laban sa taong ito?” 30 Sila'y sumagot at sinabi sa kanya, “Kung ang taong ito'y hindi gumawa ng masama, ay hindi sana namin dinala sa iyo.” 31 Sinabi ni Pilato sa kanila, “Kunin ninyo siya, at siya'y inyong hatulan ayon sa inyong batas.” Sinabi ng mga Judio sa kanya, “Hindi kami pinahihintulutan na ipapatay ang sinumang tao.” 32 Ito ay upang matupad ang salitang sinabi ni Jesus, nang kanyang ipahiwatig kung sa anong paraan ng kamatayan siya mamamatay.

PREJUDGED

From Caiphas, they immediately brought Jesus early that morning to the governor’s headquarters where Pilate resided. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. It’s a ridiculous thought, isn’t it? They felt uneasy to defile themselves for the Passover feast but was not concerned about their unfair treatment to Jesus.

Pilate asked them why they brought Jesus unto him. And from the way they answered, Jesus was already condemned. They said, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” That they, not Pilate, are the legitimate judges was clearly implied. They would not have stooped down toward consulting with a Gentile governor should it was possible. But, under Roman law, there was no other choice.

Pilate wanted them to handle the case according to their religious law. His dismissive response corresponds with what he already perceived. That was, Jesus was being targeted out of jealousy, not for an actual crime (Mat 27:18). Jesus' enemies were clear - to paint Him as an insurrectionist (Luke 23:2) and actively rebelling against Roman rule (John 19:12–15). This would allow them to not only eliminate Jesus, but to deflect any resulting anger towards the Roman occupiers, instead of themselves.

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John 18:19-24 ESV

19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

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19 Tinanong ng pinakapunong pari si Jesus tungkol sa kanyang mga alagad at sa kanyang itinuturo. 20 Sinagot siya ni Jesus, “Ako'y hayagang nagsalita sa sanlibutan. Ako'y laging nagtuturo sa mga sinagoga at sa templo, na pinagtitipunan ng lahat ng mga Judio, at wala akong sinabi sa lihim. 21 Bakit ako'y iyong tinatanong? Tanungin mo silang nakarinig sa akin, kung anong sinabi ko sa kanila. Ang mga ito ang nakakaalam ng mga bagay na sinabi ko.” 22 At nang kanyang masabi ito ay sinampal si Jesus ng isa sa mga punong-kawal na nakatayo roon, na nagsasabi, “Ganyan ka bang sumagot sa pinakapunong pari?” 23 Sinagot siya ni Jesus, “Kung ako'y nagsalita ng masama, patunayan mo ang kasamaan, subalit kung mabuti, bakit mo ako sinasampal?” 24 Pagkatapos ay ipinadala siyang nakagapos ni Anas kay Caifas na pinakapunong pari.

WHY DO YOU ASK ME?

Immediately, the high priest had subjected Jesus for questioning about his followers and teachings. Jesus answered by stating the obvious. He had taught openly and repeatedly in public so that they must had known His claims and teachings by now. That, He claimed as the Messiah coming from the Father was a public knowledge.

And in a candid manner, He asked, “Why do you ask me?

Jesus knew Caiphas’ heart certainly. It was a question for him to ponder in his heart. Was he interested to learn and consider believing His claims? Or, was he asking to trap Jesus in order to justify His unjust arrest? The latter seemed plausible.

And in an authoritative fashion, Jesus challenged him to ask those who heard Him teach. Jesus did not cover or waver from any of His claims. Instead, he affirmed that the people had known and perceived clearly about Him and His teachings. His words and deeds had evidently supported His claims.

For this, one soldier slapped Him, accusing Him fof being disrespectful. Jesus allowed Himself to be slapped but never slapped in return. [1 Pet 2:21] instead, He reminded him of his unreasonableness. Should He has spoken either wrong or right in a court of reason, an act of violence is uncalled for, if not, beastly in nature. This kind of act is not a surprise to be done by people who are full of hatred in their hearts.

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John 18:15-18,25-27 ESV

15 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, 16 but 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. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

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15 Sumunod si Simon Pedro kay Jesus, at gayundin ang isa pang alagad. Sapagkat ang alagad na iyon ay kilala ng pinakapunong pari, siya ay pumasok na kasama ni Jesus sa patyo ng pinakapunong pari. 16 Samantala, si Pedro ay nakatayo sa pintuan sa labas. Kaya't ang alagad na kilala ng pinakapunong pari ay lumabas at kinausap ang babaing tanod sa pinto, at ipinasok si Pedro. 17 Sinabi kay Pedro ng babaing tanod sa pinto, “Hindi ba ikaw ay isa sa mga alagad ng taong ito?” Sinabi niya, “Hindi.” 18 Ang mga alipin at ang mga punong-kawal ay nagpapaningas ng siga sapagkat maginaw. Sila'y nakatayo roon at nagpapainit. Si Pedro ay kasama rin nila na nakatayo at nagpapainit.

25 Nakatayo si Pedro na nagpapainit ng sarili. Sinabi nila sa kanya, “Hindi ba ikaw ay isa rin sa kanyang mga alagad?” Ikinaila niya ito at sinabi, “Hindi.” 26 Sinabi ng isa sa mga alipin ng pinakapunong pari, na kamag-anak ng tinagpasan ni Pedro ng tainga, “Hindi ba ikaw ang nakita kong kasama niya sa halamanan?” 27 Muling nagkaila si Pedro at kaagad tumilaok ang isang manok.

WHEN PETER DENIED JESUS

We admire Peter’s bravery by lashing out with a sword one of the soldiers who arrested Jesus (V.10). Fortunately for him, Jesus had requested the soldiers to let them go unhurt (see v.6–9). And Jesus was right that the disciples will be on the hiding after His arrest (Mat 26:56).

Peter's claim of willingness to die for Christ made a dramatic turn (John 13:37). Again, we should give credit for his bravery, at least, he attempted to fight back when Jesus was under arrest (v.10) and secretly followed along to see what would happen to his Master (Mat 26:58). However, under a real threat, and without Christ by his side, Peter gave in to fear. He lied and claimed he was not a follower of Christ. Nothing can be farther from the truth. This was what Jesus had predicted would happen and he was aware of it (John 13:38]. And, Peter would deny Jesus two more times to make this denial an outright slap to his presumptousness (see. v. 25–27). . . 25–27).

What unfolded next was interesting, in that the servant girl had questioned Peter about his relationship to Jesus, but did not seem to do so with John (see.v.17). Scholars had suggested that Peter might have had a distinctive accent which suggested he was from Galilee (Mat 26:73), making the gatekeeper suspicious. She was at least curious enough to ask. And, Peter's response to know not Jesus had become one of the heartbreaking and infamous denial in history.

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John 18:12-14

12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

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12 Kaya't dinakip at iginapos si Jesus ng mga kawal at ng kanilang kapitan, at ng mga punong-kawal ng mga Judio.13 Siya'y dinala muna kay Anas, sapagkat siya'y biyenan ni Caifas, na pinakapunong pari nang panahong iyon.14 Si Caifas ang siyang nagpayo sa mga Judio na dapat na ang isang tao'y mamatay alang-alang sa bayan.

ONE MAN SHOULD DIE

A "band of soldiers", who are of the Roman military, had been searching for Jesus until they arrived in a secluded garden (v.1–3) Judas, who was the betrayer of Jesus, led them there (see John 11:57; 13:2–3; Mat 26:14–16; Luke 22:47–48). Jesus did not run or struggle when He was arrested despite showing divine power (v.4–9) and Peter's demonstrated willingness to fight (v.10–11)

Christ was not interested in physical altercation. His is a cosmic battle, not man’s battle. This is the purpose for which He was born (v.37). He was so determined to fulfill His Father’s plan. As Matthew recorded, “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”[Matt 16:21]

The hardships were overruled by His deep commitment to obey His Father. Should we are committed, we would count the cost in following Jesus. We don’t ask that the journey be smooth and easy, do we? Haven’t Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”? [Luke 9;23,24]

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