WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.600 All right, well, we're moving forward in the story of Jesus, as told by John. 00:00:06.100 --> 00:00:13.660 Last Sunday, we heard about how Jesus and his disciples were met by a large group of 00:00:13.660 --> 00:00:15.960 armed men in the darkness of Gethsemane. 00:00:16.679 --> 00:00:24.320 And we saw Jesus intentionally steer the conversation in order to protect his disciples and then 00:00:24.320 --> 00:00:28.080 willingly surrender himself to the soldiers and the guards. 00:00:28.079 --> 00:00:33.500 Let's pick up the story here in John chapter 18, verse 12. 00:00:35.579 --> 00:00:41.159 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. 00:00:41.979 --> 00:00:50.079 They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high 00:00:50.079 --> 00:00:51.179 priest that year. 00:00:51.560 --> 00:00:56.700 So they tied Jesus up, even though he surrendered himself willingly. 00:00:56.700 --> 00:01:02.440 And this large group of armed men leads Jesus in the night to Annas. 00:01:03.359 --> 00:01:04.500 Who's Annas? 00:01:05.600 --> 00:01:09.480 John tells us that Annas was the father-in-law of Caiaphas. 00:01:10.280 --> 00:01:12.560 And Caiaphas was the current high priest. 00:01:13.599 --> 00:01:15.800 Now, why take Jesus to Annas? 00:01:16.780 --> 00:01:22.879 Well, history has it that Annas was himself the high priest of the Jews for nine years. 00:01:22.879 --> 00:01:31.000 But then in the year 15 AD, this was 18 years earlier, the Roman governor removed Annas from 00:01:31.000 --> 00:01:31.640 his position. 00:01:33.159 --> 00:01:38.259 And the Roman governor appointed one of his sons to be high priest. 00:01:39.219 --> 00:01:44.799 The Roman governors, I guess, had made a practice of meddling with who got this official 00:01:44.799 --> 00:01:45.299 position. 00:01:45.299 --> 00:01:50.000 So not long after that, they removed Annas' son from the position. 00:01:50.599 --> 00:01:55.399 And they appointed Caiaphas, the son-in-law of Annas, as high priest. 00:01:56.259 --> 00:02:01.439 But all this meddling of the Romans wasn't really appreciated by many of the Jews. 00:02:02.060 --> 00:02:06.719 According to the Mosaic law, a high priest was to be the high priest for life. 00:02:06.719 --> 00:02:13.280 And so some of the Jews still considered Annas to be the real high priest, even though it 00:02:13.280 --> 00:02:19.259 was his son-in-law, Caiaphas, who was officially in the position and had the title and carried 00:02:19.259 --> 00:02:19.979 out the duties. 00:02:21.159 --> 00:02:26.439 So Annas, in the eyes of the Jews, would have been the highest-ranking, most experienced 00:02:26.439 --> 00:02:29.259 authority in the high priestly family. 00:02:29.979 --> 00:02:33.780 And that's likely why they take Jesus to him first. 00:02:35.659 --> 00:02:36.599 Verse 15. 00:02:37.520 --> 00:02:42.659 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. 00:02:43.599 --> 00:02:48.659 So even though Jesus' disciples were scattered and ran from the garden, John tells us that 00:02:48.659 --> 00:02:51.699 at least two of his disciples didn't run very far. 00:02:52.560 --> 00:02:57.900 They followed from a distance, watching to see what was going to happen to Jesus. 00:02:58.800 --> 00:03:00.000 Where were they going to take him? 00:03:01.300 --> 00:03:02.639 Picture this in your mind. 00:03:02.639 --> 00:03:04.639 It's pitch black outside. 00:03:04.639 --> 00:03:05.000 Dark. 00:03:05.000 --> 00:03:05.519 Dark. 00:03:05.519 --> 00:03:12.319 And this large group of soldiers and guards is marching down the road, many of them carrying 00:03:12.319 --> 00:03:12.939 torches. 00:03:12.939 --> 00:03:19.879 And here's Peter and another disciple sneaking along in the darkness, following them. 00:03:19.879 --> 00:03:27.680 So Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. 00:03:28.259 --> 00:03:34.680 Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard. 00:03:34.680 --> 00:03:38.439 But Peter had to wait outside at the door. 00:03:38.439 --> 00:03:48.300 The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there, and brought Peter in. 00:03:48.300 --> 00:03:52.760 So who is this other disciple with Peter? 00:03:53.700 --> 00:03:56.360 Well, we don't know 100% for sure. 00:03:56.920 --> 00:03:58.640 But here's what people have suggested. 00:03:59.580 --> 00:04:05.320 Tradition has it that this other disciple is John, the one who wrote this gospel account. 00:04:05.960 --> 00:04:06.840 The beloved disciple. 00:04:06.840 --> 00:04:20.000 And this fits and makes sense because there's a number of other places in the gospel where John seems to refer to himself just kind of very discreetly, not mentioning his name. 00:04:22.959 --> 00:04:32.220 Also, if it is John, then it would make sense how we're going to have the details of the conversation that happened right there in the room between Jesus and Annas. 00:04:33.060 --> 00:04:34.819 And that John would have been a witness. 00:04:34.819 --> 00:04:39.899 Others suggest that this is some other disciple of Jesus. 00:04:40.500 --> 00:04:42.180 Perhaps one from Jerusalem. 00:04:42.680 --> 00:04:49.759 Because maybe it seems a little unlikely that a fisherman from Galilee would have been known to the high priest in Jerusalem. 00:04:51.120 --> 00:04:54.920 Perhaps the reason John left the name out was to protect the follower. 00:04:55.879 --> 00:05:01.980 Who was still very much in danger by some of the religious leaders at the time. 00:05:02.100 --> 00:05:03.240 Perhaps it was Nicodemus. 00:05:03.240 --> 00:05:05.319 Perhaps it was Joseph of Arimathea. 00:05:05.819 --> 00:05:10.079 Whatever the case, Peter and this other disciple arrive at the house of Annas. 00:05:10.800 --> 00:05:13.660 And the other disciple, it seems, just walks right in. 00:05:13.740 --> 00:05:16.500 He's able to do that because of his relationship with Annas. 00:05:17.579 --> 00:05:18.780 But Peter was not. 00:05:19.860 --> 00:05:23.199 He was stuck outside the gate or the door. 00:05:23.199 --> 00:05:31.959 And then at some point, this other disciple comes back to the entrance of the courtyard and speaks to the servant girl at the door. 00:05:33.379 --> 00:05:35.680 Asks her to let Peter in. 00:05:36.399 --> 00:05:39.959 And at this moment, the servant girl asks a question. 00:05:39.959 --> 00:05:44.539 You aren't one of this man's disciples too, are you? 00:05:46.319 --> 00:05:48.180 She's referring to Jesus, of course. 00:05:48.839 --> 00:05:51.680 And she's asking Peter if he's a disciple of Jesus. 00:05:52.959 --> 00:05:55.079 Now this is certainly a loaded question. 00:05:55.079 --> 00:05:59.579 But we're not certain about what this question is loaded with. 00:06:00.500 --> 00:06:07.039 Is this servant girl at the door asking in order to decide whether she should let him in? 00:06:07.939 --> 00:06:09.680 Like, hold on a second. 00:06:10.079 --> 00:06:13.680 You aren't one of Jesus' disciples also, are you? 00:06:13.680 --> 00:06:17.780 Because if you're not, I have orders not to... 00:06:17.780 --> 00:06:19.639 If you are, I have orders not to let you in. 00:06:20.060 --> 00:06:23.420 Or is this the servant girl making a statement of surprise or disdain? 00:06:23.560 --> 00:06:28.240 Like, you aren't one of this man's disciples too, are you? 00:06:30.560 --> 00:06:34.180 You haven't fallen prey to this guy's influence as well, have you? 00:06:35.379 --> 00:06:42.199 Or, the most popular guess, is the servant girl letting on that she's pretty sure she knows that Peter is. 00:06:42.199 --> 00:06:44.379 A follower of Jesus. 00:06:45.319 --> 00:06:50.060 Like, are you not one of this man's disciples also? 00:06:51.199 --> 00:06:53.939 In other words, I think you are. 00:06:57.139 --> 00:07:00.800 Peter replied, I'm not. 00:07:03.620 --> 00:07:06.419 Let the full force of those three words sink in. 00:07:10.500 --> 00:07:11.639 This is Peter. 00:07:12.199 --> 00:07:13.979 One of the inner circle of three. 00:07:15.719 --> 00:07:17.560 Closest of Jesus' twelve disciples. 00:07:18.519 --> 00:07:19.339 One of the apostles. 00:07:20.899 --> 00:07:27.920 This is Peter, the one who was asked in Jesus, by Jesus in private, who he thought Jesus was on another occasion. 00:07:27.920 --> 00:07:30.279 And answered with, you are the Messiah. 00:07:31.079 --> 00:07:32.560 The son of the living God. 00:07:33.639 --> 00:07:37.060 This is Peter, who watched others turn away from Jesus. 00:07:37.060 --> 00:07:41.819 And when asked if he too was going to leave, said, Lord, to whom shall we go? 00:07:41.819 --> 00:07:45.959 You alone have the words of eternal life. 00:07:47.180 --> 00:07:50.540 We've come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God. 00:07:50.540 --> 00:07:51.540 This is Peter. 00:07:51.540 --> 00:07:55.960 This is Peter who rejoiced with the other apostles. 00:07:55.960 --> 00:08:03.439 That he had been given authority and power to heal the sick and cast out demons in Jesus' name. 00:08:03.439 --> 00:08:05.439 This is Peter. 00:08:05.439 --> 00:08:13.079 This is Peter who earlier this same evening said, Lord, why can't I follow you now? 00:08:13.079 --> 00:08:16.759 I will lay down my life for you. 00:08:16.759 --> 00:08:23.959 And here Peter's asked by a servant girl at the door whether he's a disciple of Jesus. 00:08:23.959 --> 00:08:26.599 And he says, I'm not. 00:08:28.939 --> 00:08:31.800 Now all of us have told a lie at some time or another. 00:08:33.860 --> 00:08:35.620 You know that feeling, don't you? 00:08:37.559 --> 00:08:45.460 You're being asked about something and you feel embarrassed or ashamed of the truth. 00:08:46.759 --> 00:08:50.799 Or maybe you're afraid of the consequence that may come if you're honest. 00:08:51.600 --> 00:08:55.539 And so you open your mouth and you lie. 00:08:57.860 --> 00:09:04.840 But at that moment inside, you feel that nagging at your conscience. 00:09:05.039 --> 00:09:08.000 Knowing that what you've done is wrong. 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:12.620 Why didn't Peter just tell the truth? 00:09:14.240 --> 00:09:18.080 No doubt he was experiencing similar kinds of feelings. 00:09:19.120 --> 00:09:20.240 Similar emotions. 00:09:20.720 --> 00:09:27.600 Fear at what might happen to him if he makes it known that he's with Jesus. 00:09:28.019 --> 00:09:29.500 The one who's just been arrested. 00:09:29.500 --> 00:09:34.340 Perhaps he felt ashamed or embarrassed. 00:09:35.080 --> 00:09:39.639 That, yeah, I am one of the disciples of this man who's being charged with all these things. 00:09:39.779 --> 00:09:42.580 And right now is tied up and under guard like a criminal. 00:09:44.559 --> 00:09:52.179 And we have to know that as bad as lying is, and it is, this is worse than a lie. 00:09:52.179 --> 00:09:55.299 It's not just deceiving the girl. 00:09:56.919 --> 00:09:59.559 It's also an act of disloyalty. 00:10:00.799 --> 00:10:02.939 A betrayal of a loved one. 00:10:03.759 --> 00:10:09.359 It's a lie told to cover up his close friendship and association with Jesus. 00:10:09.779 --> 00:10:13.919 The most wonderful, awesome person that Peter has ever known. 00:10:14.359 --> 00:10:15.679 His very best of friends. 00:10:15.679 --> 00:10:21.039 And now Peter betrays all of that in a moment. 00:10:22.699 --> 00:10:25.659 I'm not one of his disciples. 00:10:30.179 --> 00:10:35.199 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. 00:10:36.579 --> 00:10:39.959 Peter also was standing with them, warming himself. 00:10:40.159 --> 00:10:42.120 So he doesn't go right into the house. 00:10:42.899 --> 00:10:44.659 That could have some consequences. 00:10:45.679 --> 00:10:54.319 Keep in mind that Jesus and his disciples had come down to Jerusalem multiple times a year for all these festivals. 00:10:54.519 --> 00:10:57.179 So people would have recognized Peter, probably. 00:10:59.319 --> 00:11:02.199 Instead, he goes to stand over by the fire in the courtyard. 00:11:02.439 --> 00:11:06.919 Near enough to be able to find out what's going to happen this night. 00:11:07.639 --> 00:11:11.319 But far enough away that he might avoid being recognized. 00:11:11.320 --> 00:11:16.920 Verse 19. 00:11:20.600 --> 00:11:26.460 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 00:11:26.460 --> 00:11:31.879 I have spoken openly to the world, Jesus replied. 00:11:32.420 --> 00:11:36.620 I always taught in synagogues or at the temple where all the Jews come together. 00:11:37.519 --> 00:11:39.080 I said nothing in secret. 00:11:41.920 --> 00:11:46.580 In the context, the high priest here is Annas, as we'll see down in verse 24. 00:11:46.580 --> 00:11:50.020 This has some of the feeling of a religious trial. 00:11:51.660 --> 00:11:53.960 Annas is asking questions of Jesus. 00:11:54.200 --> 00:11:55.320 He is the high priest. 00:11:56.600 --> 00:12:01.759 Specifically, he's asking questions about Jesus' disciples and about Jesus' teachings. 00:12:01.759 --> 00:12:10.480 But though it feels like a religious trial in one sense, what kind of trial happens in the private home of the judge? 00:12:12.319 --> 00:12:17.840 What kind of trial happens late at night when everybody else is sleeping? 00:12:19.439 --> 00:12:26.179 Not to mention that the official high priest, Caiaphas, is not here, as we'll see in verse 24. 00:12:26.179 --> 00:12:28.839 And what does Annas ask about? 00:12:29.879 --> 00:12:35.159 He wants to drill into Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 00:12:36.419 --> 00:12:39.079 In response, Jesus declares, 00:12:39.739 --> 00:12:41.759 I have spoken openly to the world. 00:12:43.139 --> 00:12:46.879 I always taught in synagogues or at the temple where all the Jews come together. 00:12:47.339 --> 00:12:48.599 I said nothing in secret. 00:12:48.600 --> 00:12:58.360 If we sort of read between the lines, perhaps Annas is wondering how Jesus has come to have such a large and loyal following. 00:12:59.259 --> 00:13:08.820 Perhaps he suspects or is accusing Jesus of saying one thing publicly, but then saying another thing privately. 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:16.060 How is it that you've hoodwinked all of these gullible people into following you? 00:13:16.879 --> 00:13:18.259 Maybe that's what he's wondering. 00:13:18.259 --> 00:13:18.899 We don't know. 00:13:20.080 --> 00:13:25.919 Or are there people in the room even now that are accusing Jesus of some of the things that they said that he said? 00:13:26.340 --> 00:13:27.259 Things that were false. 00:13:27.840 --> 00:13:32.080 Well, Annas is trying to get something with these questions. 00:13:33.720 --> 00:13:37.580 And Jesus' response is really hard to argue with or dispute. 00:13:38.559 --> 00:13:39.639 Basically, Jesus says, 00:13:39.759 --> 00:13:42.419 My ministry has been as public as can be. 00:13:44.159 --> 00:13:47.200 The things that I said, I said openly to the world. 00:13:47.200 --> 00:13:48.900 Everybody's had access. 00:13:48.900 --> 00:13:52.440 Everybody's had opportunity to hear me. 00:13:52.920 --> 00:13:58.320 I didn't teach in ways that subverted the local synagogues or the temple here in Jerusalem. 00:13:58.640 --> 00:14:01.920 I taught in the synagogues all over Israel. 00:14:02.280 --> 00:14:05.940 And right here in the temple at Jerusalem. 00:14:05.940 --> 00:14:10.460 In other words, everybody knows what I've been teaching. 00:14:10.460 --> 00:14:15.100 Now, when Jesus says he spoke nothing in secret, 00:14:16.100 --> 00:14:20.800 it doesn't mean that he didn't ever teach his disciples in private. 00:14:20.799 --> 00:14:24.939 We know from the other gospels, all the gospels really, 00:14:25.099 --> 00:14:29.179 that Jesus did teach his disciples in private when the crowds were not present. 00:14:29.639 --> 00:14:32.939 But I think the point here is that he had one consistent message. 00:14:33.919 --> 00:14:35.199 One teaching. 00:14:36.399 --> 00:14:39.539 I said nothing different in secret. 00:14:39.679 --> 00:14:41.979 Nothing seditious or malicious. 00:14:41.980 --> 00:14:45.659 I liked how D.A. Carson put it in his commentary. 00:14:47.259 --> 00:14:52.500 He said what Jesus said to his disciples in private was of a piece with what he said in public. 00:14:53.259 --> 00:14:57.399 He did not maintain one message for public consumption 00:14:57.399 --> 00:15:02.139 and another more dangerous one for a secret group of initiates. 00:15:02.740 --> 00:15:07.279 His private discourses further unpacked what he said in public 00:15:07.279 --> 00:15:10.080 or extrapolated his message a little farther. 00:15:10.080 --> 00:15:17.040 Jesus then goes a step further 00:15:17.040 --> 00:15:21.040 and shines the light on the dubiousness of this whole thing. 00:15:21.620 --> 00:15:24.860 All these questions, this interrogation. 00:15:26.220 --> 00:15:26.840 Verse 21. 00:15:28.020 --> 00:15:29.020 Why question me? 00:15:31.040 --> 00:15:32.860 Ask those who heard me. 00:15:34.060 --> 00:15:36.220 Surely they know what I said. 00:15:37.680 --> 00:15:39.720 Or quite literally, look, behold. 00:15:40.080 --> 00:15:42.220 They know what I said. 00:15:44.040 --> 00:15:45.480 Jesus basically says, 00:15:46.220 --> 00:15:51.759 questioning me about my teaching and my followers is pointless. 00:15:52.820 --> 00:15:53.780 Why do it? 00:15:55.220 --> 00:15:57.139 Ask the witnesses themselves. 00:15:58.280 --> 00:16:01.000 All the people who heard what I said and taught, 00:16:01.460 --> 00:16:02.740 they know what I said. 00:16:02.740 --> 00:16:06.980 In other words, and I think if we read between the lines 00:16:06.980 --> 00:16:08.759 and look at some of the other accounts here, 00:16:09.500 --> 00:16:13.299 you can try and twist my words all you want. 00:16:13.360 --> 00:16:17.720 You can try to dig something up that I said that was wrong, that was false. 00:16:17.879 --> 00:16:20.200 But it's going to be obvious that you're doing it. 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:26.299 Because people all over the nation have already heard publicly what I taught. 00:16:26.299 --> 00:16:30.279 All my teachings on record with the ears of thousands, 00:16:30.679 --> 00:16:32.899 men and women who came to the synagogues 00:16:32.899 --> 00:16:36.039 and heard me speak in every town in Israel. 00:16:37.179 --> 00:16:39.859 Most of the nation comes here to Jerusalem 00:16:39.859 --> 00:16:43.059 multiple times a year for the festivals 00:16:43.059 --> 00:16:44.759 and heard me teach, 00:16:45.639 --> 00:16:49.059 saying the same things publicly at the temple. 00:16:49.799 --> 00:16:54.659 So it's pointless to ask me all these questions, 00:16:55.159 --> 00:16:56.939 to look for fault with my teaching. 00:16:57.139 --> 00:16:58.679 Ask the people what I said. 00:16:59.539 --> 00:17:00.299 They'll tell you. 00:17:00.299 --> 00:17:03.679 When Jesus said this, 00:17:03.740 --> 00:17:07.099 one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. 00:17:08.099 --> 00:17:10.720 Is this the way you answer the high priest? 00:17:11.180 --> 00:17:12.039 He demanded. 00:17:16.619 --> 00:17:19.159 If I said something wrong, Jesus replied, 00:17:19.859 --> 00:17:21.419 testify as to what is wrong. 00:17:22.319 --> 00:17:23.940 But if I spoke the truth, 00:17:24.639 --> 00:17:26.119 why did you strike me? 00:17:26.119 --> 00:17:32.819 So one of these officials slaps Jesus in the face. 00:17:33.619 --> 00:17:34.919 He asks this question. 00:17:36.539 --> 00:17:39.079 Is this the way you answer the high priest? 00:17:40.259 --> 00:17:42.819 I'm not sure just what the official was thinking here. 00:17:43.439 --> 00:17:45.179 Maybe he thought it was rude for Jesus 00:17:45.179 --> 00:17:48.939 to offer advice to the high priest, 00:17:49.039 --> 00:17:52.459 the guy who usually is giving advice to other people 00:17:52.459 --> 00:17:54.039 because of his position. 00:17:54.039 --> 00:17:58.819 But Jesus doesn't accept this official's rebuke. 00:18:00.119 --> 00:18:04.159 Immediately after bearing this blow to his face, 00:18:05.180 --> 00:18:07.480 Jesus challenges the official to state 00:18:07.480 --> 00:18:11.139 what he has done or said that is wrong. 00:18:12.420 --> 00:18:14.139 And further, if I spoke the truth, 00:18:14.259 --> 00:18:15.420 why did you strike me? 00:18:15.619 --> 00:18:16.119 He says. 00:18:16.819 --> 00:18:19.519 It falls to you to account for your actions 00:18:19.519 --> 00:18:22.920 if you can't find fault with what I just said. 00:18:22.920 --> 00:18:27.660 And of course, John records no answer from the official. 00:18:28.680 --> 00:18:29.560 Jesus was right. 00:18:30.400 --> 00:18:31.180 This questioning, 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:34.660 this attempt to find fault with him 00:18:34.660 --> 00:18:37.680 and his teaching was futile. 00:18:39.759 --> 00:18:40.920 Verse 24. 00:18:42.019 --> 00:18:46.880 Then Annas sent Jesus bound to Caiaphas, 00:18:47.380 --> 00:18:48.360 the high priest. 00:18:48.359 --> 00:18:50.659 So at this point, 00:18:50.759 --> 00:18:51.359 Annas, I think, 00:18:51.459 --> 00:18:53.079 realizes he's just not getting 00:18:53.079 --> 00:18:56.339 what he's hoping to from Jesus. 00:18:56.819 --> 00:18:59.159 He isn't finding anything to pin on him. 00:19:00.339 --> 00:19:01.759 He's simply exposing 00:19:01.759 --> 00:19:05.559 or being exposed more and more by Jesus. 00:19:06.099 --> 00:19:06.939 So Annas, it seems, 00:19:07.019 --> 00:19:07.899 is done with Jesus. 00:19:08.519 --> 00:19:09.379 Send him to Caiaphas. 00:19:09.559 --> 00:19:11.059 He's the official high priest. 00:19:11.139 --> 00:19:13.000 Let him preside over things from here. 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:13.079 Peter. 00:19:16.920 --> 00:19:17.400 Meanwhile, 00:19:18.339 --> 00:19:20.500 Simon Peter was still standing there 00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:22.240 warming himself. 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:25.160 So the sense we get here 00:19:25.160 --> 00:19:27.539 is that while all this was going on in the house, 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:30.299 Peter was having an interaction 00:19:30.299 --> 00:19:31.900 out at the fire. 00:19:32.299 --> 00:19:33.359 He was still there 00:19:33.359 --> 00:19:34.799 warming himself. 00:19:35.799 --> 00:19:36.740 And at some point, 00:19:36.740 --> 00:19:38.240 the attention comes to rest 00:19:38.240 --> 00:19:39.559 on Peter. 00:19:39.559 --> 00:19:39.619 Peter. 00:19:39.619 --> 00:19:45.799 They asked Peter, 00:19:46.359 --> 00:19:50.199 you aren't one of his disciples too, 00:19:50.339 --> 00:19:50.819 are you? 00:19:52.959 --> 00:19:54.159 He denied it, 00:19:54.419 --> 00:19:54.699 saying, 00:19:55.159 --> 00:19:56.279 I am not. 00:19:56.739 --> 00:19:58.379 The wording here is almost identical 00:19:58.379 --> 00:20:00.000 to the first time Peter was asked. 00:20:00.159 --> 00:20:03.219 And so the same nuances are possible, 00:20:03.359 --> 00:20:06.539 but probably they just suspected that he was. 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:09.179 Are you not also one of his disciples? 00:20:09.619 --> 00:20:13.579 No, I am not, 00:20:14.159 --> 00:20:14.799 said Peter. 00:20:19.199 --> 00:20:21.299 One of the high priest's servants, 00:20:21.839 --> 00:20:23.379 a relative of the man 00:20:23.379 --> 00:20:25.339 whose ear Peter had cut off, 00:20:25.779 --> 00:20:26.459 challenged him, 00:20:27.319 --> 00:20:29.779 did I not see you with him in the garden? 00:20:31.779 --> 00:20:33.279 Now Peter is busted. 00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:36.779 This servant had been there 00:20:36.779 --> 00:20:38.539 at Gethsemane. 00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:42.399 Yes, it was a little hard to see in the dark 00:20:42.399 --> 00:20:43.500 by the light of the torches, 00:20:43.639 --> 00:20:46.859 but this man for sure recognized Peter. 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:48.940 He was a relative of Malchus, 00:20:49.639 --> 00:20:54.599 the man whose ear Peter had cut off. 00:20:55.160 --> 00:20:56.480 You can bet that he'd made note 00:20:56.480 --> 00:20:57.619 of the face of the man 00:20:57.619 --> 00:20:59.940 who did this to his relative. 00:20:59.940 --> 00:21:03.019 His question is rhetorical, 00:21:03.160 --> 00:21:04.559 but it's a pretty clear statement. 00:21:06.620 --> 00:21:09.200 Did I not see you with him in the garden? 00:21:11.240 --> 00:21:12.320 I saw you. 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:13.320 You were there. 00:21:13.460 --> 00:21:15.779 You were with him in the garden. 00:21:15.779 --> 00:21:20.420 Again, Peter denied it. 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:22.759 And at that moment, 00:21:23.379 --> 00:21:24.700 a rooster began to crow. 00:21:26.379 --> 00:21:28.899 This rooster crow is significant. 00:21:29.460 --> 00:21:30.039 First of all, 00:21:30.059 --> 00:21:30.960 let's quickly look back 00:21:30.960 --> 00:21:33.000 to the conversation earlier this evening 00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:34.859 that Jesus had with Peter 00:21:34.859 --> 00:21:37.299 back in John chapter 13, verse 36. 00:21:38.759 --> 00:21:40.960 Jesus had been talking about going away 00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:42.059 and Simon asked him, 00:21:42.160 --> 00:21:42.819 where are you going? 00:21:42.819 --> 00:21:44.059 And Jesus said, 00:21:44.240 --> 00:21:44.819 where I'm going, 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:46.179 you cannot follow now, 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:47.659 but you will follow later. 00:21:48.539 --> 00:21:49.139 And Peter asked, 00:21:49.240 --> 00:21:51.139 Lord, why can't I follow you now? 00:21:51.159 --> 00:21:53.359 I will lay down my life for you. 00:21:54.579 --> 00:21:55.899 And Jesus answered, 00:21:56.559 --> 00:21:59.019 will you really lay down your life for me? 00:22:00.399 --> 00:22:02.579 Very truly, I tell you, 00:22:03.439 --> 00:22:04.779 before the rooster crows, 00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:07.899 you will disown me three times. 00:22:07.900 --> 00:22:11.840 So Jesus had prophesied 00:22:11.840 --> 00:22:12.780 that this would happen. 00:22:13.620 --> 00:22:14.540 Matthew tells us 00:22:14.540 --> 00:22:15.380 that the conversation 00:22:15.380 --> 00:22:16.600 even went beyond that. 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:18.620 Peter actually had another response. 00:22:20.320 --> 00:22:22.360 Even if I have to die with you, 00:22:22.420 --> 00:22:23.780 I will never disown you, 00:22:24.140 --> 00:22:24.680 said Peter. 00:22:29.080 --> 00:22:30.300 Jesus had been right. 00:22:32.060 --> 00:22:34.060 Not only did he know Peter, 00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:37.500 what was in his heart, 00:22:39.079 --> 00:22:41.099 Jesus knew the future 00:22:41.099 --> 00:22:43.679 because he's the son of God. 00:22:45.559 --> 00:22:47.440 It's a pretty specific prediction 00:22:47.440 --> 00:22:48.240 or prophecy. 00:22:49.419 --> 00:22:50.539 You will deny me, 00:22:50.759 --> 00:22:52.000 you will say you don't know me 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:54.460 three times before the rooster crows. 00:22:54.639 --> 00:22:55.759 And the rooster crowing, 00:22:55.899 --> 00:22:57.779 it's the sign that morning is near. 00:22:58.639 --> 00:23:00.179 Basically, Jesus is saying, 00:23:00.180 --> 00:23:04.140 you will deny knowing me 00:23:04.140 --> 00:23:05.960 three times before the night is over. 00:23:07.980 --> 00:23:09.539 And here John tells us 00:23:09.539 --> 00:23:12.940 that immediately after Peter said it, 00:23:14.140 --> 00:23:15.120 the rooster crowed. 00:23:16.960 --> 00:23:18.060 Luke actually tells us 00:23:18.060 --> 00:23:19.019 that in this moment, 00:23:19.500 --> 00:23:22.200 Jesus turns and looks straight at Peter. 00:23:23.940 --> 00:23:26.380 Probably Jesus was at this very moment 00:23:26.380 --> 00:23:29.580 being led out of Annas' house 00:23:29.579 --> 00:23:30.839 through the courtyard 00:23:30.839 --> 00:23:32.619 to go to Caiaphas. 00:23:33.199 --> 00:23:34.000 Can you imagine 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:35.720 the piercing gaze of Jesus? 00:23:39.079 --> 00:23:41.220 This time as Peter lies 00:23:41.220 --> 00:23:42.980 and says he doesn't know him, 00:23:43.460 --> 00:23:44.519 it's like all of a sudden, 00:23:44.619 --> 00:23:45.220 out of nowhere, 00:23:45.379 --> 00:23:46.179 there's Jesus 00:23:46.179 --> 00:23:48.159 looking right at him. 00:23:49.319 --> 00:23:51.139 The very one he's disowning. 00:23:52.619 --> 00:23:53.779 We can only imagine 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:55.240 just how utterly exposed 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:56.039 and ashamed 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:58.399 Peter felt in that moment. 00:23:59.579 --> 00:24:03.179 I've betrayed my best friend. 00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:04.119 Worse, 00:24:05.939 --> 00:24:06.639 the Messiah. 00:24:10.439 --> 00:24:12.000 I thought he wouldn't see it 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:12.859 or know about it, 00:24:13.079 --> 00:24:14.059 but he's right there 00:24:14.059 --> 00:24:15.779 looking at me. 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:19.399 John doesn't tell us here, 00:24:19.559 --> 00:24:20.599 but Luke tells us 00:24:20.599 --> 00:24:21.339 that at this point, 00:24:21.439 --> 00:24:22.720 Peter leaves the courtyard 00:24:22.720 --> 00:24:25.180 and breaks down in tears. 00:24:25.940 --> 00:24:27.779 He weeps bitterly. 00:24:30.360 --> 00:24:31.759 What a night this has been 00:24:31.759 --> 00:24:33.779 for Jesus and his disciples, 00:24:33.920 --> 00:24:35.980 and yet this is just the beginning 00:24:35.980 --> 00:24:37.460 of what's coming 00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:38.420 with the break of day. 00:24:38.680 --> 00:24:39.779 We're going to continue on 00:24:39.779 --> 00:24:41.600 with the story next Sunday, 00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:43.819 but let's pause and reflect 00:24:43.819 --> 00:24:44.640 for a moment here. 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:45.420 What can we take 00:24:45.420 --> 00:24:46.940 from all of this? 00:24:46.940 --> 00:24:49.100 I don't know about you, 00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:50.920 but I can't help 00:24:50.920 --> 00:24:52.539 but see myself 00:24:52.539 --> 00:24:55.259 when I look at Peter. 00:24:57.440 --> 00:24:58.539 It's so easy 00:24:58.539 --> 00:25:00.519 to talk the Christian talk. 00:25:01.120 --> 00:25:01.539 To say, 00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:02.720 yes, I believe 00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:03.700 you are the Messiah, 00:25:03.840 --> 00:25:05.000 you are the Son of God. 00:25:06.420 --> 00:25:07.559 Especially for those of us 00:25:07.559 --> 00:25:08.940 who have been followers 00:25:08.940 --> 00:25:10.299 of Jesus for a long time 00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:11.080 or have grew up 00:25:11.080 --> 00:25:11.700 in the church. 00:25:11.700 --> 00:25:15.660 But are we walking 00:25:15.660 --> 00:25:17.039 the Christian walk? 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:20.720 Do our actions match 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:22.740 what we profess? 00:25:25.799 --> 00:25:26.980 It's often easy 00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:27.980 to do the right thing 00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:29.220 when everything's going well, 00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:32.460 but then when the trials come, 00:25:33.279 --> 00:25:34.779 when the troubles of life 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:35.480 enclose, 00:25:36.220 --> 00:25:37.480 when things come 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:39.120 that test our patience, 00:25:39.119 --> 00:25:42.019 do our actions 00:25:42.019 --> 00:25:42.899 and words 00:25:42.899 --> 00:25:43.959 match 00:25:43.959 --> 00:25:46.039 what we profess? 00:25:47.399 --> 00:25:48.759 Peter struggled with this. 00:25:50.739 --> 00:25:52.159 I struggle with this. 00:25:54.759 --> 00:25:55.539 Today's a day 00:25:55.539 --> 00:25:57.279 that we reflect 00:25:57.279 --> 00:25:58.019 on parenthood, 00:25:58.159 --> 00:25:59.799 specifically mothers. 00:26:00.679 --> 00:26:02.059 But for us fathers, 00:26:02.219 --> 00:26:03.259 our day is coming too. 00:26:04.099 --> 00:26:05.399 Let me share with you parents 00:26:05.399 --> 00:26:06.459 a familiar example 00:26:06.459 --> 00:26:07.039 which I read 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:07.939 the other day in a book 00:26:07.940 --> 00:26:09.620 and I've modified it 00:26:09.620 --> 00:26:10.580 a little bit for us, 00:26:10.720 --> 00:26:13.900 but you'll get the feeling. 00:26:14.840 --> 00:26:16.019 Dinner is prepared. 00:26:17.140 --> 00:26:18.360 The table is set. 00:26:19.420 --> 00:26:20.340 The kids are finally 00:26:20.340 --> 00:26:21.059 at the table. 00:26:21.600 --> 00:26:22.720 Everything's nearly ready. 00:26:23.320 --> 00:26:24.340 But the happiness 00:26:24.340 --> 00:26:25.860 is interrupted 00:26:25.860 --> 00:26:26.759 when little Johnny 00:26:26.759 --> 00:26:27.539 does something 00:26:27.539 --> 00:26:29.140 overly rambunctious 00:26:29.140 --> 00:26:30.200 at the table 00:26:30.200 --> 00:26:31.180 and knocks the pitcher 00:26:31.180 --> 00:26:31.980 of juice over, 00:26:32.360 --> 00:26:33.220 spilling all of it 00:26:33.220 --> 00:26:34.259 into the pulled pork. 00:26:34.259 --> 00:26:37.480 After a momentary 00:26:37.480 --> 00:26:38.720 out-of-body experience 00:26:38.720 --> 00:26:39.640 in which you hover 00:26:39.640 --> 00:26:40.480 above your world 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:41.079 gone awry, 00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:41.559 you look, 00:26:41.640 --> 00:26:42.779 as old Mr. Wodehouse 00:26:42.779 --> 00:26:43.279 would say, 00:26:43.359 --> 00:26:44.099 like a tomato 00:26:44.099 --> 00:26:45.779 struggling for self-expression. 00:26:47.059 --> 00:26:47.839 Little Johnny 00:26:47.839 --> 00:26:48.759 quickly regrets 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:49.940 his wild antics, 00:26:50.339 --> 00:26:51.619 not because he's made 00:26:51.619 --> 00:26:52.440 a mess of dinner, 00:26:53.160 --> 00:26:54.460 but because you, 00:26:54.859 --> 00:26:55.579 his parent, 00:26:56.000 --> 00:26:57.119 have suddenly transformed 00:26:57.119 --> 00:26:58.740 into a fire-breathing dragon. 00:26:59.700 --> 00:27:01.380 You've got flaming eyes 00:27:01.380 --> 00:27:02.720 and steaming ears. 00:27:02.920 --> 00:27:04.160 As your lid flips, 00:27:04.299 --> 00:27:05.220 you find your tongue. 00:27:05.620 --> 00:27:06.819 Your volcanic rant 00:27:06.819 --> 00:27:08.640 spews on blaming, 00:27:09.380 --> 00:27:09.819 shaming, 00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:10.980 and defaming 00:27:10.980 --> 00:27:12.039 in raw, 00:27:12.160 --> 00:27:12.900 molten anger. 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:14.740 And with each 00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:15.799 passing second, 00:27:16.420 --> 00:27:17.140 the little guy 00:27:17.140 --> 00:27:18.079 puddles further 00:27:18.079 --> 00:27:18.960 into fear 00:27:18.960 --> 00:27:19.880 and shame. 00:27:21.420 --> 00:27:22.579 And then all of a sudden, 00:27:22.680 --> 00:27:23.359 your phone rings. 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:24.720 And it's the call 00:27:24.720 --> 00:27:25.620 you've been waiting for 00:27:25.620 --> 00:27:26.759 from a friend at church. 00:27:26.759 --> 00:27:28.680 You all know how 00:27:28.680 --> 00:27:29.680 this plays out, right? 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:31.980 Imagine little Johnny's awe 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:32.980 when before his eyes 00:27:32.980 --> 00:27:33.759 you instantly transform 00:27:34.279 --> 00:27:35.160 from a dragon 00:27:35.160 --> 00:27:36.579 to a lamb. 00:27:37.460 --> 00:27:38.799 And with an artificially 00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:39.599 sweetened tone, 00:27:39.700 --> 00:27:40.879 you pick up the phone 00:27:40.879 --> 00:27:41.379 and offer 00:27:41.379 --> 00:27:42.279 the nicest, 00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:43.160 kindest, 00:27:43.319 --> 00:27:43.640 gentlest, 00:27:43.779 --> 00:27:44.559 most welcoming 00:27:44.559 --> 00:27:45.319 hello 00:27:45.319 --> 00:27:47.319 in the whole world. 00:27:52.599 --> 00:27:53.879 When things that test 00:27:53.879 --> 00:27:54.900 our patience happen, 00:27:54.900 --> 00:27:56.759 do our actions 00:27:56.759 --> 00:27:57.460 and words 00:27:57.460 --> 00:27:59.360 match our profession 00:27:59.360 --> 00:28:00.100 of faith 00:28:00.100 --> 00:28:01.480 in Jesus? 00:28:02.759 --> 00:28:03.740 Maybe parenting 00:28:03.740 --> 00:28:04.680 is not the thing 00:28:04.680 --> 00:28:05.420 that's the struggle 00:28:05.420 --> 00:28:05.960 for you, 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:07.720 but maybe it's some 00:28:07.720 --> 00:28:08.300 other difficult 00:28:08.300 --> 00:28:09.019 relationship 00:28:09.019 --> 00:28:09.900 with someone. 00:28:11.900 --> 00:28:13.620 It just brings out 00:28:13.620 --> 00:28:14.560 things inside. 00:28:15.840 --> 00:28:17.140 Maybe it's another trial. 00:28:17.240 --> 00:28:18.080 Maybe it's pressures. 00:28:19.280 --> 00:28:20.140 Maybe finances 00:28:20.140 --> 00:28:20.960 are a factor. 00:28:22.420 --> 00:28:22.860 Vehicles, 00:28:22.859 --> 00:28:23.500 health, 00:28:24.439 --> 00:28:25.099 you name it. 00:28:26.199 --> 00:28:27.179 All of these kinds 00:28:27.179 --> 00:28:27.519 of things 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:28.299 have the potential 00:28:28.299 --> 00:28:29.500 to bring out 00:28:29.500 --> 00:28:30.339 the worst in us. 00:28:30.439 --> 00:28:31.059 Maybe it's not 00:28:31.059 --> 00:28:31.939 anger for you, 00:28:32.039 --> 00:28:33.279 but perhaps like Peter, 00:28:33.379 --> 00:28:34.159 maybe it's fear. 00:28:36.559 --> 00:28:38.139 Maybe it's cowardice. 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:39.479 Maybe you care so much 00:28:39.479 --> 00:28:40.659 about what people think 00:28:40.659 --> 00:28:43.339 that it's crippling you. 00:28:44.319 --> 00:28:45.359 It's keeping you 00:28:45.359 --> 00:28:46.319 from opening up 00:28:46.319 --> 00:28:48.700 and speaking the truth. 00:28:50.899 --> 00:28:52.059 Maybe like Peter, 00:28:52.200 --> 00:28:53.079 you've simply given 00:28:53.079 --> 00:28:53.939 into temptation 00:28:53.939 --> 00:28:56.079 and compromised. 00:28:57.439 --> 00:28:58.379 And you know 00:28:58.379 --> 00:28:59.279 a follower of his 00:28:59.279 --> 00:29:00.819 shouldn't do such things. 00:29:01.720 --> 00:29:03.079 And yet here you are 00:29:03.079 --> 00:29:03.899 doing it anyway. 00:29:05.619 --> 00:29:07.179 Do you see yourself 00:29:07.179 --> 00:29:09.200 when you look at Peter 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:11.200 in this story? 00:29:12.980 --> 00:29:14.339 Half of this story 00:29:14.339 --> 00:29:15.899 is Peter's failure. 00:29:17.019 --> 00:29:17.699 Peter's sin. 00:29:19.099 --> 00:29:19.919 Peter's betrayal 00:29:19.919 --> 00:29:20.480 of Jesus, 00:29:20.679 --> 00:29:21.599 which calls to mind 00:29:21.599 --> 00:29:23.099 our own failures 00:29:23.099 --> 00:29:23.859 and sins. 00:29:24.459 --> 00:29:25.220 The many moments 00:29:25.220 --> 00:29:26.299 that we've not lived 00:29:26.299 --> 00:29:27.220 as a disciple 00:29:27.220 --> 00:29:27.859 of Jesus 00:29:27.859 --> 00:29:28.720 ought to. 00:29:30.159 --> 00:29:31.279 But the other half 00:29:31.279 --> 00:29:32.000 of this story 00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:34.779 is Jesus' success. 00:29:36.059 --> 00:29:36.939 Jesus' willingness 00:29:36.939 --> 00:29:37.779 to suffer 00:29:37.779 --> 00:29:39.039 for us. 00:29:40.539 --> 00:29:41.699 Jesus' righteousness. 00:29:41.700 --> 00:29:43.700 What a contrast. 00:29:44.960 --> 00:29:45.819 Peter lies, 00:29:46.519 --> 00:29:47.200 but Jesus 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:49.100 speaks the truth 00:29:49.100 --> 00:29:49.980 to Annas. 00:29:50.660 --> 00:29:51.240 In fact, 00:29:51.640 --> 00:29:51.980 he says, 00:29:52.080 --> 00:29:52.920 you won't catch me 00:29:52.920 --> 00:29:53.900 speaking lies, 00:29:54.380 --> 00:29:54.759 Annas, 00:29:55.380 --> 00:29:56.480 because I've been 00:29:56.480 --> 00:29:57.180 the same man 00:29:57.180 --> 00:29:58.299 with the same message 00:29:58.299 --> 00:29:59.100 in private 00:29:59.100 --> 00:30:00.100 as in public 00:30:00.100 --> 00:30:01.420 here in Jerusalem 00:30:01.420 --> 00:30:02.660 and in every synagogue 00:30:02.660 --> 00:30:03.640 throughout the nation. 00:30:05.019 --> 00:30:05.920 Think about 00:30:05.920 --> 00:30:07.160 the kind of integrity 00:30:07.160 --> 00:30:09.059 you would have to have 00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:09.880 to say that. 00:30:09.880 --> 00:30:12.620 Jesus could say it. 00:30:13.680 --> 00:30:14.740 What a contrast. 00:30:16.380 --> 00:30:17.260 Peter was a coward. 00:30:18.860 --> 00:30:19.620 He was afraid 00:30:19.620 --> 00:30:20.660 to tell the truth 00:30:20.660 --> 00:30:21.800 to the servant girl 00:30:21.800 --> 00:30:22.960 at the door. 00:30:24.240 --> 00:30:25.100 But Jesus 00:30:25.100 --> 00:30:26.080 was as bold 00:30:26.080 --> 00:30:27.140 as a lion. 00:30:28.320 --> 00:30:29.160 He told Annas, 00:30:29.240 --> 00:30:30.200 one of the most powerful 00:30:30.200 --> 00:30:31.000 and revered men 00:30:31.000 --> 00:30:31.660 in the nation, 00:30:32.800 --> 00:30:34.660 you're wasting your time. 00:30:36.820 --> 00:30:38.020 What a contrast. 00:30:38.019 --> 00:30:40.660 Peter has a friend 00:30:40.660 --> 00:30:41.039 with him 00:30:41.039 --> 00:30:42.359 and yet he lies. 00:30:42.460 --> 00:30:43.039 He's embarrassed. 00:30:43.200 --> 00:30:44.420 He won't speak the truth. 00:30:44.819 --> 00:30:45.900 Jesus is all alone 00:30:45.900 --> 00:30:47.319 with no help 00:30:47.319 --> 00:30:48.180 from any man, 00:30:48.319 --> 00:30:49.200 no support, 00:30:49.579 --> 00:30:51.039 and yet he refuses 00:30:51.039 --> 00:30:51.799 to compromise 00:30:51.799 --> 00:30:54.319 to save his own skin. 00:30:54.319 --> 00:30:57.899 one of the other gospels 00:30:57.899 --> 00:30:59.000 actually tells how Peter 00:30:59.000 --> 00:31:00.299 in one of the moments 00:31:00.299 --> 00:31:00.839 of denial 00:31:00.839 --> 00:31:02.279 started calling down 00:31:02.279 --> 00:31:02.960 curses. 00:31:05.740 --> 00:31:06.639 In contrast, 00:31:06.919 --> 00:31:07.619 we see Jesus 00:31:07.619 --> 00:31:09.000 taking a slap 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:10.099 across the face 00:31:10.099 --> 00:31:12.419 and he does not 00:31:12.419 --> 00:31:13.139 retaliate 00:31:13.139 --> 00:31:14.960 or curse. 00:31:15.839 --> 00:31:16.359 Rather, 00:31:16.460 --> 00:31:17.700 he invites the man 00:31:17.700 --> 00:31:18.700 to point out 00:31:18.700 --> 00:31:19.439 what he has done 00:31:19.439 --> 00:31:19.819 or said 00:31:19.819 --> 00:31:20.379 that's wrong. 00:31:20.380 --> 00:31:24.260 And if there's nothing, 00:31:24.940 --> 00:31:25.480 explain 00:31:25.480 --> 00:31:26.780 why you struck me. 00:31:30.140 --> 00:31:31.060 As we'll see, 00:31:31.180 --> 00:31:32.140 Jesus' successes 00:31:32.140 --> 00:31:33.740 go on 00:31:33.740 --> 00:31:34.640 and on 00:31:34.640 --> 00:31:35.540 and continue 00:31:35.540 --> 00:31:36.220 all the way 00:31:36.220 --> 00:31:36.900 to the cross 00:31:36.900 --> 00:31:38.580 where he lays down 00:31:38.580 --> 00:31:39.260 his life 00:31:39.260 --> 00:31:40.460 to atone 00:31:40.460 --> 00:31:41.500 for Peter 00:31:41.500 --> 00:31:43.220 and for you 00:31:43.220 --> 00:31:43.800 and for me 00:31:43.800 --> 00:31:45.840 for the world. 00:31:45.839 --> 00:31:47.879 So yes, 00:31:47.939 --> 00:31:48.879 as we read this story, 00:31:49.000 --> 00:31:49.579 we're reminded 00:31:49.579 --> 00:31:51.259 of our failures 00:31:51.259 --> 00:31:52.000 and sins 00:31:52.000 --> 00:31:53.379 as we look at Peter. 00:31:54.240 --> 00:31:55.019 We're reminded 00:31:55.019 --> 00:31:55.859 of how he blew it 00:31:55.859 --> 00:31:56.359 big time 00:31:56.359 --> 00:31:57.099 and like him, 00:31:57.399 --> 00:31:58.279 we've all blown it 00:31:58.279 --> 00:31:59.019 big time 00:31:59.019 --> 00:32:01.179 in all kinds of ways. 00:32:01.919 --> 00:32:03.039 But the good news 00:32:03.039 --> 00:32:04.740 is that we have 00:32:04.740 --> 00:32:05.959 a champion, 00:32:06.759 --> 00:32:07.819 a greater 00:32:07.819 --> 00:32:09.139 high priest, 00:32:09.279 --> 00:32:10.439 one who never blew it 00:32:10.439 --> 00:32:11.240 even when things 00:32:11.240 --> 00:32:12.399 became exceedingly 00:32:12.399 --> 00:32:13.439 difficult. 00:32:13.699 --> 00:32:14.159 The pressure 00:32:14.159 --> 00:32:15.139 is unbelievable. 00:32:15.839 --> 00:32:16.740 Yet he endured 00:32:16.740 --> 00:32:18.459 in perfect righteousness 00:32:18.459 --> 00:32:20.939 and he gave his life 00:32:20.939 --> 00:32:21.579 to secure 00:32:21.579 --> 00:32:22.539 our forgiveness, 00:32:23.500 --> 00:32:24.619 our pardon 00:32:24.619 --> 00:32:25.959 to wipe all our guilt 00:32:25.959 --> 00:32:26.599 away. 00:32:27.299 --> 00:32:28.519 This is the good news 00:32:28.519 --> 00:32:29.019 of Jesus. 00:32:31.439 --> 00:32:32.459 So if today 00:32:32.459 --> 00:32:33.299 on Mother's Day, 00:32:34.339 --> 00:32:35.019 whether you're a mother 00:32:35.019 --> 00:32:35.699 or a father, 00:32:36.279 --> 00:32:36.799 you're aware 00:32:36.799 --> 00:32:37.759 of your own sins 00:32:37.759 --> 00:32:38.459 and failures 00:32:38.459 --> 00:32:39.339 and shortcomings, 00:32:40.480 --> 00:32:42.740 look to Peter 00:32:42.740 --> 00:32:44.699 but quick, 00:32:44.700 --> 00:32:46.299 get your eyes 00:32:46.299 --> 00:32:46.720 off him 00:32:46.720 --> 00:32:47.200 and look 00:32:47.200 --> 00:32:48.000 to Jesus. 00:32:50.000 --> 00:32:50.900 He is our 00:32:50.900 --> 00:32:52.059 righteous champion. 00:32:53.799 --> 00:32:54.940 By his mercy, 00:32:55.600 --> 00:32:57.080 we can all be forgiven 00:32:57.080 --> 00:32:58.680 of all of our sins, 00:32:59.559 --> 00:33:00.380 every failure 00:33:00.380 --> 00:33:02.440 if we come to him 00:33:02.440 --> 00:33:03.259 humbly, 00:33:04.860 --> 00:33:05.240 believing 00:33:05.240 --> 00:33:07.259 and ask. 00:33:09.660 --> 00:33:10.380 Let's pray. 00:33:16.200 --> 00:33:17.059 Father in heaven, 00:33:17.240 --> 00:33:17.460 it's, 00:33:19.059 --> 00:33:20.140 this story is heavy 00:33:20.140 --> 00:33:23.200 but it's the truth, 00:33:23.299 --> 00:33:24.140 it's the story 00:33:24.140 --> 00:33:24.900 of what happened. 00:33:26.620 --> 00:33:28.140 It was part of your plan 00:33:28.140 --> 00:33:30.799 even though it's hard 00:33:30.799 --> 00:33:31.500 and it's heavy, 00:33:31.500 --> 00:33:34.240 it exposes us. 00:33:35.519 --> 00:33:36.359 We thank you 00:33:36.359 --> 00:33:37.539 that in the midst 00:33:37.539 --> 00:33:37.839 of it 00:33:37.839 --> 00:33:38.440 we see 00:33:38.440 --> 00:33:39.799 your sun 00:33:39.799 --> 00:33:41.319 shining brightly, 00:33:43.000 --> 00:33:43.480 working 00:33:43.480 --> 00:33:44.759 towards our redemption 00:33:44.759 --> 00:33:46.700 and we thank you 00:33:46.700 --> 00:33:47.460 that that gift 00:33:47.460 --> 00:33:48.059 has been 00:33:48.059 --> 00:33:48.940 given 00:33:48.940 --> 00:33:50.000 and paid for 00:33:50.000 --> 00:33:51.480 with Jesus' blood. 00:33:52.660 --> 00:33:54.259 I pray that we would all 00:33:54.259 --> 00:33:57.519 place our trust 00:33:57.519 --> 00:33:58.539 firmly in that. 00:33:58.539 --> 00:34:03.000 and that you would 00:34:03.000 --> 00:34:04.940 make us 00:34:04.940 --> 00:34:06.740 a powerful witness 00:34:06.740 --> 00:34:08.779 to our children, 00:34:09.219 --> 00:34:11.039 to our parents, 00:34:11.219 --> 00:34:12.579 to our unsaved loved ones, 00:34:12.719 --> 00:34:13.440 to our friends, 00:34:13.539 --> 00:34:14.119 our family, 00:34:15.119 --> 00:34:15.920 our co-workers, 00:34:16.860 --> 00:34:17.219 neighbors 00:34:17.219 --> 00:34:19.679 of the grace 00:34:19.679 --> 00:34:21.259 that you have given us 00:34:21.259 --> 00:34:22.500 in Christ. 00:34:23.679 --> 00:34:24.699 We say thank you 00:34:24.699 --> 00:34:25.139 for that 00:34:25.139 --> 00:34:27.400 in his name. 00:34:28.539 --> 00:34:28.779 Amen. 00:34:28.779 --> 00:34:28.900 Amen.