John 18:12-17:

So the detachment, the commanding officer, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him, and led him to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should perish for the people. Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest; but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then the maid who kept the door said to Peter, “Are you also one of this man’s disciples?”

He said, “I am not.”

We read here that it didn’t take long for Peter loose all of his strength. When challenged by a maid, he fell apart and denied that he was with Jesus. I know I can relate to this kind of wimpy behavior. It often follows an attempt to be strong on my own. It is much different when I allow God to work in His strength through me.

“The other disciple” here is most likely the writer, John. I have been told that John might have been an educated man. He evidently had connections with the high priest and was able to get in. Peter just waited outside.

Evidently, Peter wanted this story told. It isn’t a surprise. I believe that he became very aware of his need for the power and strength of God after this.

I don’t know why the father-in-law to the high priest was the first to see Jesus. It seems kind of strange. I do know that the politics at the time were very twisted. Rome was ruling and they had their way with the “temple government” to a large extent. That would have to be the case because Jesus parents were both in the kingly line of David and no one seemed to care. Perhaps, being in that line, Jesus was at risk in yet another way because of Rome.

Jesus could have been killed many times but He wasn’t until it was time, and this was the time.