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Call to worship: Psalm 61

Text: John 18:15-27

Summary:

As Jesus is bound to be tried by Annas, we're given a lesson in discipleship: a humble sincerity of public faith is far more to be desired than a false bravado that speaks great allegiance, only to distance from Jesus under mounting pressure. We have two true disciples, but two contrary courses of action under trial. Peter stands at a distance, warmed with the lost in the chill of that night. The other disciple enters the trial space with Jesus and invites Peter along, but once, twice, and a third time he denies Jesus. In between, Jesus is asked about His disciples and His doctrine, things that are supposed to match. His ministry has been one of revelation, but people, more concerned about likes and dislikes than right or wrong, will find a way to shield themselves from anything that would otherwise confront, convict and, God willing, convert them. They prefer to hear but not hear, and to strike the face of God, and move forward with the goal of crucifixion; and just there, the disciple, like Peter, has a decision to make: to deny or to identify.

Sermon Outline:

1. Following Jesus - to a point. (18:15-18)
2. Questioning Jesus - to a punch. (18:19-24)
3. Denying Jesus - (back) to a prophecy. (18:25-27)

Prepare

Discussion Questions:

1. Read John 18:15-27.
2. In 18:15-18, two disciples follow Jesus, but they ultimately make two contrary decisions about just how far to follow. Is it possible for a true disciple to follow Jesus only so far? How does this episode expose what Peter really fears most of all? Consider how he's ready to fight a military hoard with the sword, but falters at the question of a servant girl. Why? Where are they now? Who's present? The world has its door-keepers. They're looking out for association with Jesus. Will you confess Christ?
3. Interesting scene outside the trial-space with Jesus. How might we warm ourselves at the fire pits of the world? Is it our habit, when our discipleship affections are chilled, not to repent, but to seek the world's comforts? How do you attempt to mix in with the world? To feel warmer than you ought? Peter stands at a distance from Christ, disassociated. How do we view public association with Jesus? What if it involves sure suffering? Do we perceive life in it? Consider Phil 3:9-11.
4. What two things does Annas question Jesus about? How do those two things relate? How does Jesus respond? Why does He respond the way He does? What do we learn about the nature of Christ's ministry? What do we learn about the nature of Man's rebellion? Are they more or less concerned about right and wrong, or about likes and dislikes, divine truth or corrupted custom? How does this scene inform our ministry together for Jesus? Note: when Jesus is struck, it's the first instance of His being physically harmed in the Gospel.
5. In these final verses, Peter completes his denials of Jesus. A single crack can sometimes lead to a total crumbling. What's the lesson for us as it relates to faithfulness? Upon his third denial, a rooster crows. It's the fulfillment of Christ's Word. Go back to John 13:36-38. What's preceded in that chapter? What has Peter pledged? How did Jesus respond? Peter has denied Jesus. Will Jesus deny His own? However we may stumble in the Way, what will He do for us? Consider also Luke 22:31-32.