John 18:15-18; 25-27 – Peter’s Denial

BIBLE TEXT

John 18:15-18; 25-27

SUMMARY

Peter’s denial of Jesus occurs at the same time Jesus stands on trial before the high priest.

ANALYSIS

Peter’s denial of Jesus in the Gospel of John includes some distinct features. First, Peter’s denial and Jesus’ trial before the high priest alternate back and forth. In a sense, Peter is also on trial for his loyalty to Jesus. Second, the question that is asked of Peter is different in the Gospel of John. In the other Gospels, Peter’s response to knowing Jesus is “I do not know the man” thus, Peter denies Jesus by saying that he does not know Jesus. In John, the question to Peter is “aren’t you one of his disciples?” Peter answers, “I am not.” Peter is asked again, “Aren’t you one of his disciples?” and Peter again answers, “I am not.” The third denial has Peter denying that he was in the garden with Jesus, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?” and Peter says no. Peter’s denial in John is less about denying Jesus and more about denying his own identity as a disciple of Jesus. This threefold denial of his discipleship will come back in the threefold question of Jesus to Peter on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, “Simon Peter, do you love me?”