April 4, 2023: A Relative In High Places

"One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" (John 18:26, ESV)

Have you ever wondered why John included this little bit of information in His Gospel? Actually, it is a lot of information. The number one reason anyone denies being associated with Jesus is fear. Peter had reason to be afraid. His Master had just been arrested. The one with authority over wind, waves, demons, sickness, and disease had been seized by authorities. Peter knew they were out to kill Jesus and probably to kill those associated with Him.

Notice the mounting pressure with each question: "Aren't you one of His disciples?" The first is a servant girl by the door. What is to be afraid of there? He was fearful because she recognized who he was, a follower of Christ. Believers often hide in the crowd to not be noticed. The second time Peter denies Jesus, a group recognizes him by the fire. The threat level goes up as a small group recognizes him. But it is this third person that John informs us about that ups the seriousness of the threat. He is a servant of the High Priest and a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off. Now it was very personal, and the religious authorities would also be a threat to Peter. Each time Peter denies Jesus, he does so because of an increasing threat. What would it take to get you to deny Jesus?