Shall I Not Drink the Cup?

John 18:1-27

Key Verse 11 

“Jesus commanded Peter, ‘Put your sword away!  Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?’ ”

Read verses 1-3. When and where was Jesus arrested? (1)  How did Judas know this place? (2) What role did Judas play? (3)

Read verses 4-11.  How did Jesus take an initiative it the situation? (4, 5)  How did his arresters react and why?  What was he concerned about? (8, 9)  What does Peter’s reaction reveal about him? (10) How did Jesus explain his readiness to drink the cup? (11) What do you learn from Jesus?

Read verses 12-18 and 25-27.  To whom was Jesus taken first? (12-14)   How did Peter get into the courtyard? (15, 16)  How did Peter deny Jesus three times (17, 18, 25-27)?  Why did he disown Jesus repeatedly despite his vow? (26, 13:37)  What does it mean that the rooster crowed when he denied Jesus the third time? (27, 13:38)

Read verses 19-24. What did Annas ask Jesus about? (19)  How did Jesus answer? (21)  Why did one official strike Jesus in the face? (22)  What can we learn from Jesus’ reply? (23)   

Shall I not drink the cup?

John 18:1-27

Key Verse 11 

“Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away!  Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

Now, Jesus’ preparation for the cross (his glory) has been completed.  We can see here Apostle John did not include Gethsemane prayer as in Synoptic gospel, which was a part of Jesus’ preparation for his glory. He was ready to lay down his life for the sinners as the Father planned. As he said in John 10:18, no one could take it from him, but he laid it down of his own accord.

1.  Read verses 1-3. When and where was Jesus’ arrested? (1)  How did Judas know this place? (2)   What role did Judas play? (3)

Read verses 1-3. 

¹ When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.  ² Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. ³ So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 

(1) When and where was Jesus arrested? (1) 

The time: When Jesus had finished praying, he was ready.  He followed God’s time. 

The place:  An olive grove, which was on the other side of the Kidron Valley.  Olive grove, which the Synoptic gospel called Gethsemane, meaning "oil press.  John does not actually call it an olive grove (despite the NIV); he calls it a garden (kepos). John notes that Jesus' death and resurrection also took place in a garden (19:41; 20:15).  "The Passion and resurrection which effected the salvation of the world are contrasted with the Fall in the garden of Eden" (Hoskyns 1940b:604).

(2) How did Judas know this place? (2)

² Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.

(3)  What role did Judas play? (3)

² Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. ³ So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. 

He guided the soldiers and others to where Jesus and his disciples were. Judas lost his place and chose to be with the enemy of God (5) instead of  being with Jesus and his disciples.  John does not mention Judas's kiss as in Synoptic gospel (Matt 26:48, Mk 14:44,45, Luke 22:47), which would have probably taken place just before or after Jesus' question. John makes it clear that Judas was not the enabler of Jesus’ arrest but rather that Jesus will initiate and identify himself. 

2.  Read verses 4-11.  How did Jesus take an initiative in the situation? (4, 5)  How did his arresters react and why?  What was he concerned about? (8,9)  What does Peter’s reaction reveal about him? (10) How did Jesus explain his readiness to drink the cup? (11) What do you learn from Jesus?

 Read verses 4-11.

 ⁴ Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”  ⁵ “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.   “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) ⁶ When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.  ⁷ Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”  “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.  ⁸ Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” ⁹ This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”^{[ HYPERLINK "http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+18&version=NIV" \l "fen-NIV-26795a" \o "See footnote a" a]  10} Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)  ¹¹ Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” 

(1) How did Jesus take an initiative in the situation? (4, 5) 

John makes it clear that Judas was not the enabler of Jesus’ arrest but rather that Jesus would identify himself. In the past, enemies had not been able to lay their hands on Jesus before (7:30, 44-45; 8:59; 10:39; 12:36), and it is not Judas's presence that now brings their success. Rather, it was the Father's will and his time.  When they say they are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus responds, I am he (v. 5, ego eimi).

How did his arresters react and why? 

They say they are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, and Jesus responds, I am he (v. 5, ego eimi). Here the most humble and human of Jesus' names is juxtaposed with the most exalted and divine. His identification has been at the heart of this Gospel, and this public act of identification produces dramatic effects. When he uses the divine I AM they drew back and fell to the ground (v. 6). People falling to the ground in the presence of God are mentioned elsewhere ( Ezek 1:28; Dan 10:9; Rev 1:17), but here the ones falling are his enemies rather than his worshipers. Here is a little preview of the moment in the future when every knee will bow to Jesus (Phil 2:10) and all things be brought into subjection to him (1 Cor 15:27; Phil 3:21).

 What was He concerned about? (8,9) 

Jesus repeats the I AM but now allows the proceedings to continue by telling them to let his followers go (aphete, an imperative). He concerned of his disciples’ safety.  He would not lose any one God gave to him (9, John 6:39). Here is Jesus as the Good Shepherd caring for his flock, a glimpse of the grace that is at work throughout the Passion as it has been throughout the ministry. 

What does Peter’s reaction reveal about him? (10)

Peter wanted to defend Jesus with force. He may have been emboldened by their having fallen to the ground. In any case, Peter's bravery is as great and as obvious as his misunderstanding. He is not at all in sync with God's will, and this isn't the first time he is out of step (cf. 13:6-9; Mt 16:22-23, Mk 8:32-33).

Peter prepared for the sword (The Synoptics tell us there were only two swords among the disciples, and we might have guessed that Peter would have one of them). But he does not go after one of the soldiers or one of the Jewish force, but rather the slave (doulos) of the high priest. He takes off the man's right ear.  John does not mention that Jesus healed the slave's ear as in other gospel (Lk 22:51), though this would account for Peter's not being arrested or killed on the spot. John does, however, add that the man's name was Malchus. John was known to the household of the high priest (v. 16) and probably knew this man and his family (v. 26).

How did Jesus explain his readiness to drink the cup? (11)

“Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away!  Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

Here, Jesus expressed his readiness or willingness to drink the cup the Father prepared for him. The image of the cup is used in the Old Testament to denote suffering (Ps 75:8) and, in particular, the wrath of God (Is 51:17; Jer 25:15-29; Rev 14:10; 16:19). John has not included the prayer of agony in the garden in which Jesus asked that, if possible, the cup be removed from him (Mt 26:39, Mk 14:36, Lk 22:42). But John includes this later reference to the cup, which reveals the conclusion of the earlier agony. "The struggle in Gethsemane is over. Jesus no longer prays that the cup . . . may pass from him". 

What do you learn from Jesus?

First, Jesus has demonstrated that he has complete power over these adversaries and his divine nature

Second, His sherpherd heart for his disciples: he took care of his disciples to the end. 

Third, the Son's humility and obedience continue to manifest the glory of God and his pattern of life with God.

3.  Read verses 12-18 and 25-27.  To whom was Jesus taken first? (12-14)   How did Peter get into the courtyard? (15,16)  How did Peter deny Jesus three times (17,18, 25-27)   Why did he disown Jesus repeatedly despite his vow? (26, 13:37)  What does it mean that the rooster crowed when he denied Jesus the third time? (27, 13:38)

 Read verses 12-18 and 25-27. 

John 18:12-18

¹² Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him ¹³ and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. ¹⁴ Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.  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 servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in. ¹⁷ “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she 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. 

John 18:25-27

 ²⁵ Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, 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 garden?” ²⁷ Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow. 

(1) To whom was Jesus taken first? (12-14)

According to John, Jesus was brought to Annas, who was a former high priest and a father-in-law for the current high priest, Caiaphas (12). It seems to show that Annas is a real power behind the scene.

Annas had held the office of high priest earlier (A.D. 6-15), and his influence continued through his son-in-law Caiaphas, the current high priest (v. 13) and through his five sons, who had also been high priest for various lengths of time (Josephus Antiquities of the Jews). Annas was the head of a dynasty, which probably accounts for John's reference to him as high priest (vv. 15-16, 19, 22, cf. Acts 4:6), even though John is clear that Caiaphas is the one holding that office at the time (vv. 13, 24).

 In the Synoptics, Jesus is brought first before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin and then before Pilate. Luke adds a further appearance before Herod Antipas (23:6-12).

(2) How did Peter get into the courtyard? (15, 16)

 Peter was bold enough to follow Jesus and he did not run away in spite of danger.  He tried to be faithful to his word (13:37).  He could not go into the high priest courtyard, though other disciple (presumably John) could go into the high priest’s courtyard. He had to wait outside at the door (16). The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.  Here we can see John’s eyewitness’ presence at the event.  

(3) How did Peter deny Jesus three times? (17,18, 25-27)  

First, when the servant girl on duty recognized him saying,  “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?”  he replied, “I am not.” 

Second,  ²⁵ Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.”  

Third, 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 garden?” ²⁷ Again Peter denied it,

(4) Why did he disown Jesus repeatedly despite his vow? (26, 13:37)

Humanly he tried to his best, but it was his human limitation and Jesus knew him better than himself (13:38).

(5)  What does it mean that the rooster crowed when he denied Jesus the third time? (27, 13:38)

Although it was hard to accept his failure, the rooster’s crow reminded him of Jesus’ word. Jesus knew him and warned him ahead of time.  In the past, he relied more on his own will power or his own skills than Jesus’ word.  When he could trust in himself, he could not completely trust in His word or Jesus.

4.  Read verses 19-24. What did Annas ask Jesus about? (19)  How did Jesus answer? (21)  Why did one official strike Jesus in the face? (22)  What can we learn from Jesus’ reply? (23)   

 Read verses 19-24. 

 ¹⁹ Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.  ²⁰ “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. ²¹ Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”  ²² When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.  ²³ “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” ²⁴ Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. 

What did Annas ask Jesus about? (19) 

 ¹⁹ Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 

Annas is beginning his interrogation. This is not an actual trial; Here there are no witnesses, no jury and no sentence. This is more like "a police interrogation of a newly arrested criminal before any formal trial procedures are begun" Annas asks Jesus about his disciples (v. 19), reflecting the Sanhedrin's earlier concern over Jesus' popularity (11:48), a popularity that can have only increased after Jesus entered Jerusalem attended by a great crowd. Indeed, some of the Pharisees said it looked like the whole world had gone after him (12:19). Annas also asks Jesus about his teaching (v. 19). 

How did Jesus answer? (21)

²¹ Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”

Annas seems to want Jesus to incriminate himself as a false prophet or at least as a false teacher But Jesus will not be trapped in this way. Jesus has already completed his public teaching regarding himself. 

Why did one official strike Jesus in the face? (22)  

Only one last statement of Jesus' teaching remains, but that is reserved for the Gentile Pilate (18:33-37; 19:11). So Jesus tells Annas to check with those who have heard him, since he has taught  openly (v. 20-21). In this way He heightens Annas' anxiety. The very fact that Jesus has spoken openly and that there are plenty of people who are familiar with his teaching is what concerns Annas. 

Why did one official strike Jesus in the face? (22) 

²² When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded

One of the officials (a "servant," hyperetes) hits Jesus and says, Is this the way you answer the high priest? (v. 22). Since Jesus is still bound there is no way for him to defend himself. The more severe abuse that Jesus suffers later before the Sanhedrin (Mt 26:67-68, Mk 14:65, Lk 22:63-65) is not recounted by John. This blow was more an insult than it was physically damaging.

What can we learn from Jesus’ reply? (23)   

²³ “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” 

His reply to the servant stresses this issue of truth: If I said something wrong . . . testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?

 It highlights Jesus' dignity and boldness as well as his respect for the truth, rather than for mere office holders.

The End

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I AM HE

John 18:1-27

Key Verse 18:5a "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said.”

Identity is important in life. Depending upon who we are we behave differently and the meaning of what we do becomes different. For example, if you are the president of the United States of America you will certainly act differently that if you clean the streets of Downey. 

One young man told me a very impressive story that also shows the importance of identity. He is about 20 years old. He had a hard time to overcome his desire to watch pornography. He did everything he could do by praying and reading the bible and attending many conferences. Nothing worked out. Then through God’s divine revelation he realized who he is. “A saint through the blood of Jesus.” When he realized that he is not a sinner (who is bound to sin) anymore but “a saint” (who is bound to be holy) through the blood of Jesus he was able to overcome his lustful desire.

Now in today’s passage two people’s identity are revealed. They are Jesus and Simon Peter. “Who Jesus is” is important because he is the object of our faith. Jesus’ identity is important because our salvation depends on who he is. So we want to learn who Jesus is through today’s passage. My message has two parts. The first part is “I am he” (18:1-14). It deals with Jesus’ identity. The second part is “I am not” (18:15-27). It deals with Simon Peter’s identity.

“I am he” (18:1-14)

John 18:1-3 “¹ When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. ² Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. ³ So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.” 

This is the scene of Jesus’ arrest. After Jesus had finished his prayer on the last supper table he left with this disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side of Kidron Valley there was an olive grove and Jesus and his disciples went into it. This olive grove is believed to be the Mount of Gethsemane although Jesus’ prayer on Gethsemane is not recorded in John’s gospel. The number of the detachment of soldiers could be up to even 600 and there were Jewish officials too. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. So many people were armed in order to arrest Jesus and both Jews and Gentiles joined. It looked like they came to arrest the leader of a riot. Now how did Jesus respond in the situation?

Let’s read verses 4-9 responsively.

John 18:4-9 “⁴ Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" ⁵ "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) ⁶ When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. ⁷ Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." ⁸ "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." ⁹ This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me." 

These verses show who Jesus is. It shows Jesus is God. The original Greek text for the phrase, “I am he,” (ego eimi) shows only “I am”. The phrase “I am” is used 24 times in John’s gospel. Sometimes it is used as an essential part of a sentence like, “I am the bread of life.” And 7 times it is used as a complete sentence. Out of the 7 times, 3 times are shown in today’s passage. Below are the other four times of “I am” in John’s gospel.

John 8:24 “I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am [the one I claim to be], you will indeed die in your sins."”

 John 8:28 “So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am [the one I claim to be] and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.” 

John 8:58 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"

John 13:19 "I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He.”

So when Jesus said, “I am he” he was revealing himself as God. To know who Jesus is ultimately important because it determines our salvation. The validity of our faith and salvation depends on who Jesus is. Our whole life of faith is determined according to Jesus’ identity. Not only our salvation and faith but the meaning of what Jesus does changes according to his identity. We will appreciate what he does for us all the more if we know that he is the Creator God who made us. 

There is one person who learned Jesus’ identity very dramatically. His name is Thomas. 

John 20:26-28 “²⁶ A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." ²⁸ Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 

Thomas was a disciple of Jesus. He believed in Jesus and followed him. But in John 20:26-28 he finally believed in Jesus who is his Lord and his God. He truly learned that Jesus is his Lord and his God! Thomas became a true believer of Jesus at that moment.

In the same way we may live as disciples of Jesus. But we may not truly know who Jesus is. Jesus is the only true God. Jesus is God the Son. Jesus is the only Savior. There is no other Savior than Jesus.

Now verse 6 reads, “⁶ When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.” Why did the soldiers and officials draw back and fall to the ground? Probably they were overwhelmed by Jesus’ divine authority as God. They were probably overwhelmed by some unknown divine influence from Jesus who is God. 

Jesus told people who came to arrest him, “If you are looking for me, then let these men go” in order to protect his disciples. Then they were ready to arrest Jesus. But something happened. 

¹⁰ Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) ¹¹ Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"” 

Out of fear and desire to protect Jesus Simon Peter drew a sword and cut off the right ear of the high priest’s servant. Peter knew he was not match at all against so many soldiers and Jewish officials. But somehow he could not stand still when Jesus was going to be arrested. So he ended up cutting off the right ear of the high priest’s servant. But Jesus commanded Peter, “"Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

Jesus did not come into the world to use violence. Jesus came to remove violence among men. So he commanded Peter, “Put your sword away!” Then Jesus said, “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” What does the cup mean?

Jesus’ cup was the cup of the new covenant in his blood. Luke 22:20 

“In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”  

Jesus’ cup means suffering and death to take away men’s sin. 

“Matthew 26:37-39 “³⁷ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. ³⁸ Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." ³⁹ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."” 

Jesus prayed again in Matthew 26:42 “He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." 

So we can say ‘the cup from the Father’ is the cup of suffering and death to take away all of men’s sin. It is the new covenant in Jesus’ blood. It was the cup of God’s wrath upon the sin of all men. “To drink” means ‘actually taking’.

Jesus was ready to drink the cup from the Father as God the Son and the only Savior. He was ready to go through suffering and death to take away the sin of all peoples on earth.

We do not want to go through suffering even for our own obligation as much as possible. Who wants to suffer for others’ weaknesses and sins? But Jesus did even though he is the Creator God. 

However, there are people who follow Jesus.

About a week ago I read very impressive story about one missionary to Korea. Her name is “Elisabeth J. Shepping” (1880~1934). Her Korean name is서서평. She came to Korea in 1912 when she was 32 years old. At that time Korea just lost her nation to Japan and they were in deep sorrow and poverty. To her eyes, Korea was full of troubles and sufferings.

Her letter sent to her headquarters 1921 shows the situation of Korean women. “I met more than 500 Korean women. But those who have names were even less than 10. They had to work so hard like slaves for their whole life. They had to obey their husbands. They were condemned when they could not produce children. Sometimes they were sold for their husband who are poor. My joy is to give them names and teach them Korean language.”

She was easily sick but she kept visiting southern part of Korea and Jeju island. Once she started visiting she usually spent one month traveling more than 200 miles. When her horse cannot move she just walked by herself all the way. She served many Korean widows and lepers.

In 1929 she met her own mother in America who abandoned one year old Elisabeth J. Shepping to her grandmother. But her own mother rejected her saying that she did not want to see her daughter because her daughter became like a root out of dry ground. Although she did not receive her own mother’s love she became a mother for Korean women.

In 1933 she started a march from southern part of Korea to Seoul in order to draw people’s attention for lepers. She started with 50 people but the number became 530 when she arrived in Seoul. So the government was forced to make some facility and that is how the island of ‘lepers’ called “So Rok Do” was created. When she died at the age of 54, many lepers called her “mommy” in her funeral.  

She died in 1934 out of hunger, hard labor, and disease. All she left was a half blanket, a few coins, and two cups of corn power. She had already given half of her blanket to beggars under a bridge. Her body was offered to medical school for study according to her will. In such a poor country in Korea she lived not as a friend of Koreans but as a Korean for 22 years eating Korea food and wearing Korean sandals. 

When I read her story I was so moved. How can a person offer her life so much in sacrifice for strangers in a foreign land where all languages and culture are so foreign to her? What made her suffer so much and even give her whole life for Korean women and lepers who were total strangers? It is none other than Jesus. It is none other than the Creator God who said, “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Jesus was living inside of her. Indeed she was a disciple of Jesus.

When Jesus commanded Peter, “"Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" they were ready to arrest Jesus.

¹² Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him ¹³ and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. ¹⁴ Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.

So far we learned who Jesus is and what he was ready to do. 

“I am not” (18:15-27)

This part will teach us who Simon Peter and what he did.

John 18:15-18

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.

Here ‘another disciple’ or ‘this disciple’ or ‘the other disciple’ all refers to the same person. He is John the apostle who is the author of John’s gospel. Simon Peter followed Jesus but he was stopped just outside of the high priest’s courtyard. He barely entered into the high priest’s courtyard by lying and through the help of the other disciple. Because Simon Peter identified himself not as a disciple of Jesus he behaved differently. He identified himself as one of those servants and officials who participated in the arrest of Jesus.

Meanwhile the high priest, Annas, questioned Jesus. Annas was a father in law of Caiaphas, but the bible calls him the high priest probably because he still exercised strong influence like the high priest. 

. ¹⁹ Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. ²⁰ "I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. ²¹ Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said." ²² When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded. ²³ "If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" ²⁴ Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.

Usually a judge find charging topics from a plaintiff or witnesses. But Annas wanted to find them from Jesus who was a defendant. But Jesus was so confident. He told him very clearly, “²⁰ "I have spoken openly to the world," I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. ²¹ Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said."

Jesus did not hide anything. He only spoke the truth. Annas could not find anything against Jesus. So Annas sent Jesus to Caiaphas the high priest. The trial of Jesus by Annas shows that Jesus was still in the control of the situation.

Now what happened to Simon Peter when he was standing around a fire with servants and officials?

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. 

So Simon Peter’s identity was not a disciple of Jesus and therefore what he did was not the act of a disciple. He stood together with servants and Jewish officials.

How why couldn’t Peter keep his identity? Why did he say, “I am not,” three times despite his great desire to follow Jesus? It is because Peter did not believe what Jesus said.

John 13:37-38 reads, “³⁷ Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." ³⁸ Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” 

Jesus also said to Peter Mark 8:31-35 “³¹ He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. ³² He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ³³ But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." ³⁴ Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ³⁵ For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” 

Did Peter believe what Jesus said? His action shows he did not believe it.

To believe what others say is very challenging to a man. My experience is one example which shows how difficult it is to believe what others say even for a small thing. About a month ago I wanted to have something that I can eat when I am hungry. I was thinking about this and that. The food must be something easy to carry and most of all it should stay long fresh before it is corrupted. Then finally I got the idea. Sweet potato was the answer! It is sweet and it is easy to carry and it is good for health! And you don’t need to cook. You can eat raw. I grew up eating sweet potato in raw. What can I ask more?

Yet, when I mentioned about “sweet potatoes” to Maria, she told me that they are easily rotten. Her words came from at least 30 years of experience and I did not have any reason not to believe. She is my wife and she does not have any reason to tell me a lie. In fact all I have is reasons to believe. So I believed it. But my action shows something different. I still bought sweet potato and kept it in a place. For a few days it seems they are okay. Then one day I found that they are all rotten and I had to throw them away. When I bought sweet potatoes this is what I thought, “Well, I believe what she says. But I think it will be okay with me.” I thought that since I am such a special person sweet potatos will behave differently toward me. But they obeyed God’s natural law and did not treat me specially. They all were rotten at their due time. When this happened I realized how hard it is for me to believe what others say even for a small thing. At that moment I realized why sometimes our children want to go through same mistakes which we went through despite our warnings. They are like me. 

Indeed Simon Peter did not believe Jesus’ word which taught him that Jesus will rise in three days and whoever loses his life for Jesus and for the gospel will save it. 

In conclusion, our identity is important because we behave differently according to our identity, and the meaning of what we do becomes different depending upon our identity.  Jesus revealed himself as “the only true God” and “the only Savior” when he said, “I am he”. Jesus was ready to drink the cup of suffering and death as the Creator God and Savior. Those who follow Jesus behave in the same way. If we believe what Jesus says in the bible we can follow Jesus.

One word: Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?

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