John 18:12-18
Peter at the Courtyard Door
Read the passage
12Then the band of soldiers, with its commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him.
13They brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.
14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better if one man died for the people.
15Now Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he also went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.
16But Peter stood outside at the door. Then the disciple who was known to the high priest went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in.
17At this, the servant girl watching the door said to Peter, “Aren’t you also one of this man’s disciples?” “I am not,” he answered.
18Because it was cold, the servants and officers were standing around a charcoal fire they had made to keep warm. And Peter was also standing with them, warming himself.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
The soldiers bind Jesus and take Him first to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas. John reminds us that Caiaphas had advised that it would be better for one man to die for the people. Jesus is now in the hands of the authorities who want His death.
Peter and another disciple follow. Because the other disciple is known to the high priest, he can enter the courtyard. Peter waits outside until that disciple speaks to the woman watching the door and brings him in.
The woman asks Peter whether he too is one of Jesus' disciples. He answers, “I am not.” He has followed Jesus this far, yet at the doorway he denies the relationship that brought him there.
It is cold. Peter stands with the servants and officers around a charcoal fire, warming himself. John lets that ordinary detail sit beside the denial. Peter is still nearby, but he has just said that he does not belong to Jesus.
Questions
1 Where do the soldiers take Jesus first?
AnswerThey take Him to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
2 How does Peter get into the courtyard?
AnswerThe other disciple knows the high priest. He speaks to the doorkeeper and brings Peter inside.
3 What does Peter say when the woman asks whether he is a disciple of Jesus?
AnswerHe says, “I am not.” Afterward, he stands with the servants and officers at the charcoal fire.
4 When might it be difficult to acknowledge that we follow Jesus?
AnswerWe might be embarrassed when friends ridicule faith or worried about how someone will treat us. We can admit those fears to God and ask for help to answer honestly when the question arises.
What This Means for Us
Peter has made an effort to stay close to Jesus. That does not make him immune to fear. His denial warns us against assuming that past courage means we will always respond faithfully.
Talk about a situation where being known as a Christian feels uncomfortable. Listen without making anyone prove their bravery. The aim is to help each other speak honestly about faith, with wisdom about the circumstances.
If you have hidden your faith out of embarrassment, bring that failure to Jesus in prayer. Naming it honestly is more useful than making a larger promise about how fearless you will be next time.
Prayer
Jesus, You know how easily fear changes what we say. Forgive us for denying our connection to You. Help us acknowledge You with honesty and give us compassion for others who struggle to do the same. Amen.