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John 18

Jesus takes His Apostles into a garden, where Judas and Roman officers come to arrest Him. Peter cuts off a soldier’s ear, but Jesus replaces it and goes with the soldiers peacefully. Peter and John follow closely behind as Jesus is taken before Annas, and then Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Peter is then questioned concerning Jesus, and he denies Him three times. The Jewish priests lead Jesus to Pilate since they need Roman approval to put Him to death. Pilate asks Jesus if He is the King of the Jews. Jesus responds by stating that His kingdom is not of this world. Ultimately, Pilate sees no guilt in Jesus. He asks the Jews if he should release Him, but they demand that a convicted robber be released instead. 

There is an incredible calmness in Jesus as the time of His death approaches. When Peter injures a soldier, Jesus heals the man. When soldiers seek to arrest Him, Jesus simply asks that His followers be left alone. When questioned by the Jewish leaders, He answers by stating that He has kept no secrets in His ministry. As Pilate berates Him with questions, He answers with peaceable, spiritual, truthful answers. Meanwhile, Peter denies Him, and most of the Apostles are nowhere to be found. Our Savior is at peace with His purpose and with the sacrifice He would offer for the world. Peter and the Apostles became much more like Jesus after the resurrection. This should be our goal as well. 

Gracious Lord, thank You for Jesus. His confidence and calmness establish Him as a King we are privileged to follow. Even in the fires of persecution, He was focused and holy. He answered even His most vicious accusers with dignity. Lord, teach us how to be more like Your Son. We all falter at times, resembling Peter’s fear and doubt. Father, we plead for Your mercy and ask You to humble us and make us more devoted students of Jesus. His resolve to accomplish Your work has brought blessings to us all. Lead us to be more like our Savior.  

Thought Questions:

-       Why did Peter lash out at the soldier? Can outbursts and quick reactions be a symptom of a faith that needs some work?

-       What are situations in your life where you need to have calm, confident responses like Jesus did throughout this chapter?

-       Pilate asks a fateful question: “What is truth?” Is Jesus the answer to that question for you, and what does He mean in your life?