Reading: John 18:1-18

John 18:17 – “The servant woman stationed at the gate asked Peter, ‘Aren’t you one of this man’s disciples?’ ‘I’m not,’ Peter replied.”

Just before heading to the garden in John’s gospel, Jesus offers a long prayer. Chapter 17 is a prayer for Jesus’ followers and their faith. Some of the prayer is for his current disciples and some is for all who will hear the disciples’ words and come to faith in Jesus. These parts of the prayer are for you and me. Parts are also for the disciples in today’s passage. Jesus knew that the days and weeks ahead would be really hard for his followers.

At the start of our passage for today, Jesus and the eleven go to the garden. Judas leads a group there to arrest Jesus. Ever the protector, Jesus meets them. His divine declaration causes the group to fall to the ground in fear. As the arrest proceeds, Peter defends Jesus with a sword. Jesus swiftly halts the violence, reminding Peter of his mission to “drink the cup the Father has given me.” Jesus is arrested and taken to the homes of Annas and then Caiaphas, the high priest. It is in the courtyard of Caiaphas that Peter fails Jesus again.

“The servant woman stationed at the gate asked Peter, ‘Aren’t you one of this man’s disciples?’ ‘I’m not,’ Peter replied.” Later, still in John 18, Peter will deny Jesus two more times. Jesus knew this was coming. He predicted it in all of the gospels. The betrayal was a very necessary part of the transformation of Peter. But at least a part of Jesus had to wonder if there was another way. Betrayal is hard. It cuts deep in the relationship. Betrayal often ends relationships. Peter is not left forever in this place of brokenness. We’re never left there either. When we are ready, the love of Christ overcomes our faults and failures – again and again and again. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, oh how we see ourselves in Peter. Sometimes we think we’re doing good something for you, only to fail in the end. We use your word like a sword, harming others and their faith. And in other moments when we could do great good, we shrink back, denying our faith because of fear. Oh how we can be like Peter. Thank you for your love that is always greater than our betrayal and sin. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Amen.