John 18 reminds me of a word that was used often in high school. Apathy was tossed around by student leaders to shame the masses into getting more involved. Most of us were content to stay in the background. Passion can drive an individual, but most fear standing out from the crowd. Today’s chapter is about inspiring change. We begin in the garden where “Jesus had often met… with His disciples”. Judas came “guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees”. A few moments earlier the disciples were at peace, and now they feared for their lives. Jesus spoke first, “Who is it you want?” With the authority of Rome, they responded, “Jesus of Nazareth”. Jesus answered, “I am He”. “I am” is a name reserved for God. When spoken by Christ, it caused an involuntary kneeling. “They drew back and fell to the ground”. Jesus directed the soldiers, “If you are looking for Me, then let these men go”. At this point “Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear”. Peter was prepared for a fight. It is important to understand that these men still believed there would be a physical battle to defeat Rome. But Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away!” It is likely he followed this order for the rest of his life. Friend, what weapon do you use when your peace is disturbed?
The officials arrested Jesus, “bound Him and brought Him first to Annas”. Annas controlled the religious political power. Jesus was brought to him before seeing the High Priest. The chapter pauses to spotlight “Peter and another disciple… following Jesus”. The other disciple (probably John) was “known to the high priest” providing access for Peter to enter the courtyard. The lowly servant girl asked if Peter, like John, was also a disciple. Peter replied with certainty, “I am not”. Minutes later, while warming by a fire, Peter was asked the same question, and again he responded “I am not”. Finally an eyewitness said, “Didn’t I see you with Him in the garden?” Peter denied Jesus a third time, and “at that moment a rooster began to crow”. No doubt Peter recalled Jesus’ words from earlier that day. He was at a spiritual crossroad. He could hide in the crowd, or stand and lead. Each of us has the same choice after our faith falters. Peter asked for forgiveness and he was fully restored.
Meanwhile, Jesus was being questioned by the Jewish leaders “about His disciples and His teaching”. He responded, “I have spoken openly to the world… in synagogues or at the temple… I said nothing in secret… Ask those who heard Me”. After being slapped, Jesus asked the official, “If I spoke the truth, why did you strike Me?” Jesus did not advocate destruction, or overthrow. He was the atonement of God’s merciful grace. Jesus was then brought to the Roman Governor. Seeing that He was a Jew, Pilate told them to “judge Him by your own law”. But under the Roman rule, they had “no right to execute anyone”. They needed the Roman government to condemn Him. Pilate was a ruthless and ambitious politician, but he was intrigued, so he brought Him inside for private questioning. His first question was, “Are You the king of the Jews?” Jesus explained, “You say that I am a king… My kingdom is not of this world… the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth”. Pilate rejected any absolute standard; “What is truth?” He wanted no more answers; “I find no basis for a charge against Him”. Instead, he offered the people a choice; “it is your custom… to release… one prisoner at the time of the Passover… Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” The people chose to release a known career criminal. Apathy fears change. My friend, do you fear truth more than change?