Under cover of darkness, before day has broken, Jesus is questioned and answers the charges against Him.  The evidence seems shambolic; squeezed to fit crimes the Romans might recognise and condemn, with false evidence and witnesses produced.  But Jesus is clear in answering the key claims put forward – only remaining quiet where the accusations are unclear.

This is what Jesus acknowledges: He is the Son of God and that “you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven” (26:64).  In Luke 23:5, Jesus acknowledges that He is King of the Jews and in John 18:36, that although He is king, His kingdom is not of this world.  Jesus spoke the truth, but His accusers did not listen.  Jesus speaks the same truth now.  He does not bow to the will of the majority.

Outside, in the courtyard of where Jesus was taken, sits Peter.  It’s possibly Peter who attacks one of the soldiers at the Mount of Olives earlier that evening, and Peter who follows Jesus at a distance to hear the outcome of the accusations.  In Luke 22:49, Jesus tells His followers, “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation”.  Jesus knows what will follow: Judas has betrayed Him and Peter will deny Him as day breaks.  In each of the gospels, we’re told that Peter is either sitting (or standing, in John), keeping warm with the guards.  Peter does not seem to be praying, and his consequent temptation is in his denial of Jesus and his knowledge of Him.  He bows to the will of the majority.

Peter is an example of a person who should have been able to stand up for Jesus - he’s followed Him up until then (at a distance here) and has great things in store - but he does not.  It was the job of the High Priests to recognise the Messiah - but they do not.  Peter’s denial runs quickly through the stages of offhand denial, to anger and finally to realisation of what he has done.  The High Priest’s denial is bound in false accusations, complicity and manipulation.  Both bow to the strength of populism.  Jesus does not, and in His response, we should find our own strength.

Lord Jesus thank You that you know us; that You know our faults and You know our temptations.  Help us to stay wide awake.  Help us to stand up.  Help us to pray.  Lord we thank You that You spoke the truth, and for the promise that truth brings to us today and always.  Amen.