The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

 John 18:12-18

The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. John 18:17-18

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 18:12-18, where Jesus is arrested and brought before the high priests.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus could have stopped His arrest but He did not - go back to v11 (post yesterday) where Jesus understands and knows all that is to happen to Him, and it must happen according to God's will.  Jesus is now bound and led to Annas - the father in law of Caiaphas who was led by God to prophecy that Jesus should die for the people - v14 (see also John 11:49-52). All that is happening is to fulfill prophecy and scripture. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Peter and another unnamed disciple follow the the soldiers and officers of the Jews who arrested Jesus - v15 - and this other disciple was known to the high priest so he is let inside the courtyard of the high priest.  Peter does not go in initially but the other disciple secures Peter's entrance.  The servant girl at the door questions Peter about his association with Jesus and he denies knowing Jesus - v17.  Additional details and accounts of Peter's denial are found in vv25-27 and in Matthew 26:69–75, Mark 14:66–72, Luke 22:55–62.  Note the contrast of Jesus being bound and in custody vs Peter who is comfortable (warming himself) in his denial of Jesus.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid discomfort in our faith by hiding it or denying it - Peter's comfort is clearly a case of loving self vs God - which we must avoid.  Claim the promise that Jesus fulfills prophecy and scripture and the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and perfect.  Follow the example of Jesus who willingly followed God's will despite the harm He knew He would face.  Deny oneself.  Share in Christ's sufferings.  Love God and love others.     

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that willingly surrendered Your life so that I could life to the full now and for eternity in Heaven. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a sacrifice.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.