John 18:1-27
Dear RTB’ers,
It’s good that we have four gospel writers, especially when John is so different from the other three. A couple of items on that… First, John does not go into Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, even though he was one of the three who went forward with Jesus. To me, that’s one of the most moving parts of any of the four gospels. Second, John is the only gospel writer who reports that it was Peter who cut off Malchus’ ear, but he does not mention Jesus healing it, as does Luke 22:51. Finally, there is no Judas kiss – only Judas leading the crowd and Jesus asking them whom they seek.
Beyond Jesus’ arrest and questioning, the main story in today’s reading is Peter’s denial. Every time that I read of these challenges by the locals, when I put myself into the story I wonder what I would have done if I were Peter. Knowing myself, I’d have probably tried some lukewarm response, like I had heard Him speaking a few times. But when challenged further, I think I also would have also failed to acknowledge Jesus as my leader, especially if I take myself back to my late 20s or early 30s. What about the rest of you? Would you have stood up for Jesus? Let us hear from some of you!
Blessings!
See also: