John 18 – Failing Jesus Twice

John 18:10 – Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

Points to Remember from John 13:

1) Judas had gone out to betray Jesus.

2) Peter said that he would be willing to lay down his life for Jesus (John 13:36-38).

John 18:4-6 – Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them. When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

John 18:10 – Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

1. Why was Peter carrying a sword in the first place?

► He was expecting trouble.► He wanted to protect Jesus.

2. Why did Peter attack the high priest’s servant?

► He was willing to lay down his life to protect Jesus.

► He was hoping Jesus would be able to escape.

…What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?

What was Peter’s mistake here?

(a) He didn’t really understand what Jesus’s kingdom was all about (18:36).

(b) He didn’t understand that this was part of God’s plan right from the very beginning.

Matthew 10:32-33 – Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

Things to learn:

1. Jesus went willingly to his death so that we could be forgiven.

2. God forgives us when we make mistakes like Peter did – that’s what Jesus died for.