John 18:12 – 27

This week we have been with Jesus and his last few days of ministry before crucifixion; we have heard ourselves being prayed for in his detailed prayer in chapter 17, and now we might find our reactions reflected in the actions of Peter and others. At the arrest of Jesus Peter appears to want to stop it from happening by striking out with the sword: do we get confused as to whether it’s sad news or good news that Jesus was taken? And then Peter loses his nerve when he is challenged about being a disciple of Jesus: do we let fear or shame get the better of us sometimes? The official strikes out at Jesus as words of truth are given in answer to their questions: do his words always draw the appropriate reaction from us? Thank God for the grace of Jesus in all this encounters.

Revd David Hildred