John 18: 15-18 Denial #1
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.
Poor frightened Peter. If even Peter can be a disciple, then so can you and I!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: 19-24, Jesus before the high priest
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.
Jesus will not play games with the rulers tonight. They have had ample opportunity to observe and question him.
It is not clear if this interview is before Annas or Caiphas. It could be before Annas, in his role as high priest emeritus or it could be before the current high priest, Caiphas. Apparently this last sentence could be in the past tense; for example, the NIV footnotes give "Now Annas had sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest."
Jesus's response to the slap is a simple one. If he is guilty, prove it so. If not, why the bullying and attempts at intimidation? John records this event so that we may know that the trial is unjust.
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