John 18:17-21, Peter's First Denial

17 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.” 18 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. 19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 

Peter is let into the courtyard courtesy of John and his priestly connections. Guarding the entrance is a servant girl, whose question is structured to expect a negative response. Her question, rephrased, would sound something like this: “Surely you are not one of his followers?” To which Peter responds, “I am [surely] not!” Caught off guard and tricked by a young woman in the emotions of what is looking like a terrible night, he approaches the warm fire, hoping to hear what is happening inside the high priest’s house.

Following correct Jewish legal processes, at least two witnesses are required throughout. Witnesses should have been present in the Garden of Gethsemane for the arrest. Perhaps Judas is considered a witness by the high priest, but who was the other one, and, furthermore, where is Judas now? He conveniently has disappeared. The high priest should have begun by questioning the two or more witnesses not the accused. If this is indeed a lawful trial, then witnesses need to present their testimony. Jesus does not have to prove his innocence on hearsay.

Annas focuses on Jesus’ disciples and teaching. According to John Milne, “The ‘disciples’ probably alludes to the ‘false prophet’ figure of Deuteronomy 13:1-10, who would perform ‘miraculous signs and wonders’ and ‘lead astray’ the people from the worship of the God of Israel. Conviction of such activity carried the death penalty. Congruent with an attempt to get this charge to stick, Annas’ questions about his teaching would probably have covered his claim to be divine. Jesus disavows any secret, heretical teaching of his disciples.” All that Jesus has taught has been public. The minions of Annas would have heard it themselves. Let his witnesses come forward and be interrogated. He can produce none.

Lord, there are still so many injustices in our world today, but you know injustice as you suffered the greatest injustice of all. Help each of us in our day to fight injustice and stand up for and protect the innocent. Amen.